The European Union’s top official, Ursula von der Leyen, stated on Thursday that China is attempting to establish a new international order with Beijing as the dominant force, the Wall Street Journal reported.

She stressed the importance of the EU taking a more assertive stance in safeguarding its security and economic interests, which could include implementing EU-wide controls on outbound investments.

Ahead of her upcoming trip to China with French President Emmanuel Macron, von der Leyen emphasized that while the EU must maintain engagement with China, it must also develop a strategy for reducing risks associated with its relationship and dependence on China.

She linked the future of Europe’s relationship with China to Beijing’s actions in the Ukraine conflict and effectively ruled out the possibility of enacting the EU-China investment agreement of 2020, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Citing China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine war, the Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative, and its strong position in multilateral organizations, von der Leyen argued that the Chinese Communist Party’s objective is to fundamentally alter the international order, with China at its core.

Written by staff