Janka Oertel, Director of Asia Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations, shares her insights on the changing dynamics between Europe and China. She highlights the impact of U.S. policies on the relationship and how competitive pressures from China have strained ties. Oertel discusses Europe's shift towards self-reliance in defense and economic diversification, especially in light of China's support for Russia. She also explores opportunities for collaboration between the EU and the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to tackle shared challenges.
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insights INSIGHT
Shift in China-Europe Relationship
The China-Europe relationship shifted from opportunity-focused to problematic during the Trump administrations due to China's economic competitiveness and geopolitical actions.
Europe now views China as a direct challenge, especially with China backing Russia after Ukraine's invasion.
insights INSIGHT
China's Charm Offensive Is Hollow
China's so-called "charm offensive" towards Europe is largely superficial and lacks substantive changes.
Beijing's prioritization of Russia over Europe signals a willingness to tolerate strained Europe relations.
insights INSIGHT
Limitations of Chinese Investment
Chinese investment in Europe often lacks value-added activities and technology transfer, limiting genuine economic benefits.
Such investments may be more about political leverage than fostering true economic integration.
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In this episode of the ChinaPower podcast, Dr. Janka Oertel joins us to discuss the evolving relationship between Europe and China, and how Europe views both economic ties and security challenges posed by Beijing. She argues that China is not engaging in a successful charm offensive. Dr. Oertel describes how both the first and second Trump administration have shaped economic and security dynamics within the China-Europe relationship and outlines how Europe-China relations have become increasingly strained by competitive economic pressures imposed by China, such as issues with overcapacity, as well as how China’s support for Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine has undermined the relationship. She also examines Europe’s internal responses to pressures coming from China and Europe’s active attempts at economic diversification, defense buildup and strategic autonomy, and global outreach to partners and allies. Lastly, she elaborates on areas of potential greater collaboration between the EU and the Indo-Pacific as well as avenues for the U.S. and Europe to continue working together to address dual security and economic challenges posed by China.
Dr. Janka Oertel is the director of Asia Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Her expertise focuses on transatlantic China policy, emerging technologies, Chinese foreign and security policies, and security issues in Asia. Previously, she worked as a senior fellow in the Asia programme at the Berlin office of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, a programme director at Körber Foundation’s Berlin office, a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP Berlin) and a Carlo-Schmid fellow at United Nations Headquarters, New York. She has testified before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the German Bundestag, and is frequently quoted in leading media outlets such as the Financial Times, the New York Times, The Economist, Süddeutsche Zeitung, El Confidencial, Berlingske, and many more. She holds a PhD from the University of Jena in Germany.
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