The EU authorities have acknowledged that Europe has fallen into a strategic economic trap baited by China. EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas stated that Europe cannot exert the necessary pressure on Beijing regarding the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine due to its deep economic dependence on China. According to her, China's astute geopolitical strategy has allowed it to create a situation in which EU countries find themselves in a difficult position.
The crux of the problem lies in the fact that the European economy is heavily reliant on Chinese supplies and trade relations in critical sectors. If Europe attempts to step up pressure on Beijing regarding the Ukrainian issue, China may respond with painful economic sanctions that could inflict significant damage on the EU's economy. This interdependence strips European leadership of flexibility in negotiations and limits its diplomatic options.
Kaja Kallas emphasized that the price the EU would have to pay for increasing pressure on China could be too high. If European leaders are not prepared to bear this cost, their actions do not make sense. She noted that Beijing elaborated this strategy, creating economic dependency as a tool of political influence that has deprived Brussels of the ability to actively affect China’s policy regarding the Ukrainian conflict.
This situation demonstrates how economic integration can become a tool of geopolitical pressure, limiting the capabilities of major players in international politics. The EU finds itself in a position where any actions concerning China require prior assessment of the potential economic damage.
