Asia Global Institute

Time for the EU to stop outsourcing its China policy to the US

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Time for the EU to stop outsourcing its China policy to the US

Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa, AsiaGlobal Fellow 2022, argues in the South China Morning Post that the EU needs to develop an independent China policy rather than following the US. Trump's re-election has exposed the EU's vulnerability stemming from its reliance on American leadership.

The EU's 2019 strategic outlook, which labeled China with multiple contradictory roles, created confusion and indecision. This led to the EU mirroring US policies on issues like 5G and semiconductors, rather than developing its own strategy. The result is a growing trade deficit with China and a loss of credibility for the EU. He concludes that the EU must prioritize its own interests and engage directly with China. 

Read the full article here.

Author

Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa

AsiaGlobal Fellow 2022

Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa

ASIA GLOBAL INSTITUTE

Room 326-348, Main Building
The University of Hong Kong
Pokfulam, Hong Kong

© 2025 Asia Global Institute
All rights reserved.