In Brussels, Beijing’s promises to individual EU states are seen through the lens of a combative and defensive China unwilling to yield on major issues.
Accompanying these country-level strategies is a range of defensive measures that the EU has put in place. These include two-way screenings of investments and anti-coercion mechanisms under the umbrella of its derisking approach. At the same time, Europe is attempting to diversify its trade partners and supply chains in favour of more like-minded nations in Asia, Latin America and elsewhere.
More countries have asked this week to join talks about the European Union s complaint with the World Trade Organization accusing China of exerting economic pressure on Lithuania.