European Commission Vice-President Ursula von der Leyen and EU transport chief Adina Ioana Vëlcioviciu-Kallas have raised concerns that China is increasingly using its economic relationships as tools to achieve geopolitical objectives. According to Kallas, Beijing is turning trade, investment, and infrastructure partnerships into instruments of political leverage, particularly in regions where European interests are at stake. She emphasized the need for the EU to strengthen its strategic autonomy and ensure reciprocity in economic engagements. The remarks reflect growing unease within the bloc about dependencies on Chinese supply chains and the potential risks posed by state-directed economic strategies. While not calling for decoupling, Kallas urged member states to adopt more rigorous screening mechanisms for foreign investments, especially in critical sectors such as technology and energy. She also highlighted the importance of reinforcing the EU’s own industrial base to reduce vulnerabilities.
— news from Reuters
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EU’s Kallas: China is increasingly weaponizing economic ties for political gains Reuters