France’s stance on first-ever European Huawei factory underscores EU’s inaction on China

Written by Megan Khoo

Anything less than preventing a Huawei factory in France blatantly disregards France’s current restrictions on Huawei, French national security, and the greater security of the EU.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific, Faultlines9DLApril 11, 2024Huawei, France’s stance on first-ever European Huawei factory underscores EU’s inaction on China, 9dashline, Megan Khoo, France, 5G, EU, China

Portugal needs a clear strategy for the Indo-Pacific

Written by Rita Durão

Consolidating a strategy towards the Indo-Pacific would not only signify Portugal's commitment towards enhancing its global presence through a multilateral approach but also present opportunities for fostering economic growth, strengthening diplomatic ties, and promoting regional stability.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLMarch 7, 2024Portugal needs a clear strategy for the Indo-Pacific, 9DashLine, Rita Durão, Portugal, Indo-Pacific, European Union, Atlantic front, NATO, United States, Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), snap elections, Socialist Party (PS), Democratic Alliance (AD), Communist Party (PCP), Unitary Democratic Coalition (CDU), China, India, non-alignment, blocs, Liberal Initiative (IL), Risk Reduction Strategy, People Animals Nature (PAN), Portuguese-speaking countries, human rights, multilateral, rules-based order, 16th EU-India summit, Porto, 2021 Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Macau, Belt and Road Initiative, soft distancing, 5G, Portugal's 5G network, like-minded partners, Japan, South Korea, Prime Minister António Costa, EU-ASEAN summit, Dialogue on Asia, 2024 Diplomatic Seminar, Lisbon, Singapore, G20, observer, Timor-Leste, Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN, Vietnam, ASEAN, Shangri-La Dialogue, maritime empire, colonialism, Macao, East Timor, Sines Port, Azores, blue economy, EDP Renewables, Indonesia, Indo-Pacific strategy

Hungary’s bet on China: Smart move or desperate attempt?

Written by Dr Tamás Matura

Playing a balancing act between the East and the West, Orbán hopes to boost his international political clout and the economic development of Hungary by cosying up to other illiberal world leaders such as China’s Xi Jinping.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLMarch 4, 20249dashline, Hungary’s bet on China: Smart move or desperate attempt?, Dr Tamás Matura, Hungary, China, Viktor Orbán, Beijing, Budapest, illiberal governments, Xi Jinping, Chinese investors, Western investors, China policy, Sino-Hungary, EV industry, Central Europe, EU, Orbán, Eastern Opening Policy, comprehensive strategic partnership, pro-China policies, veto, Council veto, human rights abuses, EU proposals, South China Sea, Russia-Ukrainian war, 16+1 framework, Baltic states, Poland, Czechia, Romania, diplomatic resources, economic resources, friendship, diplomacy, Beijing's strategic interests, EU statements, Hungarian economy, Chinese economic presence, Chinese capital, European automotive industry, Berlin, BRI, Budapest-Belgrade railway line, EU technological standards, Chinese factories, Serbia, multinational manufacturers, transportation corridor, infrastructure, EV, manufacturing exports, European economic crisis, domestic companies, crony capitalism, unemployment, guest workers, hatemongering, migrants, migration, minority groups, foreign workers, countryside, veto power, 16+1 cooperation, middleman strategy

The 24th EU-China Summit — High stakes, low expectations

Written by Marta Ferdebar

The contrasting perspectives showcased by the EU and China's official government sites and media concerning the summit highlight the impact of unique government priorities and underscore the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to build mutual understanding.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLFebruary 9, 2024low expectations, Marta Ferdebar, 9dashline, Ursula von der Leyen, Xi Jinping, Charles Michel, Li Qiang, trade deficit, Wang Wenbin, Russian invasion, UN security Council, Director General for European Affairs Wang Lutong, human rights, Taiwan, BRI, Global Gateway initiative, The 24th EU-China Summit — High stakes

Tusk’s Chinese crossroads: Sino-Polish engagement in the post-PiS era

Written by Matthias van Herel

Whether Beijing will find a partner in the new Polish government will heavily depend on Beijing’s capacity to reinvent the BRI, as its current incarnation is losing momentum in Europe.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLJanuary 30, 20249dashline, Tusk’s Chinese crossroads: Sino-Polish engagement in the post-PiS era, Matthias van Herel, Prawo i Sprawiedliwość (PiS), PiS’s illiberal ghost, Prime Minister Donald Tus, Tusk’s Civic Platform, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Sino-Polish trade, belt and road initiative in Europe, The Polish success story, Huntingtonian optimism, Soviet-transformation, post-Soviet transformation, Jarosław Kaczyński’s conservative Eurosceptic PiS party, Alexei Yurchak’s ‘temporality of eternity’, Europhile society, Konfederacja Wolność i Niepodległość, gregor samsa, European Counci, Euphoria, Central and Eastern Europe region, China’s port in Piraeus, Greece, to the European market, BRI’s New Eurasian Land Bridge Economic Corridor (NELB), Kazakhstan, Poland’s competitively priced road transportation sector, 2011 Strategic Partnership, Łódź and Sichuan Province, Łódź’s severe economic downturn, Witold Stępień, Łódź Hanna Zdanowska (PO), Hatrans, Dell, lechów-based factory with its supplier Foxconn, Polish Consulate General in Chengdu, Sino-Polish relations, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Multimodal Technology Park, Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships, Military Property Agency, Polish minister of defence Antoni Macierewicz, Three Seas Initiative, Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), Viktor Orbán, hird Belt and Road Forum in October 2023, European Council, Sino-Polish economic ties

At China’s Universal Periodic Review, European states must defend human rights in Hong Kong

Written by Megan Khoo and Anouk Wear

The UPR is an opportunity to enhance what EU member states have been practising at the domestic and EU level over the past five years, and one which complements and solidifies their positions.

Faultlines, Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLJanuary 23, 20249dashline, At China’s Universal Periodic Review, European states must defend human rights in Hong Kong, Megan Khoo, Anouk Wear, China, Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Palais des Nations, Geneva, United Nations, international human rights law, human rights, EU, Hong Kong, Beijing, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Albania, United Arab Emirates, Malawi, transparency, historical narrative, accountability, UN archives, enforcement, NGO, activists, human rights activists, multilateral, international law, Hong Kong Protests, Hong Kong’s human rights situation, European Parliament, export controls, elections, National Security Law, Jimmy Lai, pro-democracy, pro-democracy protests, media, press freedom, religious freedom, European Parliament Informal Hong Kong Watch Group, diaspora, Germany, France, extradition treaties, extradition, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, condemnation, human rights violations, Hong Kong Informal Friendship Group, Bundestag, political prisoners, Olivier Cadic, André Gattolin, André Vallini, Constance Le Grip, Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), Taiwan, Vilnius, Paris, Lithuania, Tiananmen Square massacre, Tiananmen Square, extraterritoriality, Chow Hang-tung, independence of the judiciary, freedom of assembly, Hong Kongers

Navigating the tides: Reassessing the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy

Written by Dr Gorana Grgic

Drawing upon member states’ existing strategies in the region, the EU's strategy tactfully treads a fine line — seeking greater assertiveness while preserving space for cooperation, even in its dealings with China.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLJanuary 16, 2024Navigating the tides: Reassessing the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy, 9Dashline, China, EU-China Summit 2023, Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine war, United States, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Israel-Hamas conflict, EU-US coordination, Gorana Grgic

Germany’s Indo-Pacific aspirations and realities

Written by Dr Rafal Ulatowski

Germany is too weak militarily to change the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. Its military presence satisfies the expectations of the regional middle powers and of the United States while having only a minor adverse impact on Germany’s relations with China.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLJanuary 10, 20249DashLine, Germany’s Indo-Pacific aspirations and realities, Rafal Ulatowski, Germany, Indo-Pacific, European Union, EU, bilateral, regional powers, liberal international order, open markets, China, trade, Chinese-German cooperation, intergovernmental consultations, German-Chinese partnership, Policy Guidelines for the Indo-Pacific, National Security Strategy, Strategy on China, German Navy, German frigate Bayern, German National Security Strategy, German Strategy on China, US-Chinese competition, diversifying, diversification, democratic values, German-Chinese relations, comprehensive strategic partnership, Federation of German Industries (BDI), partner, competitor, Italy, important partner, systemic rival, military presence, Bayern frigate, Operation Rapid Pacific, Australia, symbolic, middle powers, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, democracies, shared values, resilient supply chains, German arms exports, investments, export, Taiwan, Hing Kong, Hong Kong, malaysia, Thailand, FDI, Luxembourg, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, de-risking, decoupling, Alliance 90/The Greens, Social Democrats, German companies, sensitive technologies, United Kingdom, Bundeswehr, Zeitenwende, NATO, defence spending, 2 per cent goal, Berlin, United States, confrontation, strategic interests, SIPRI, Russia-Ukrainian war, dependence, great powers, COVID-19 pandemic

Increased engagement with Taiwan needs less rhetoric and more (quiet) action

Written by Dr Simona Grano

The key question remains to define and push for concrete tools and policies through which Europe can transform its growing solidarity towards Taiwan into a foundational basis of Europe’s China policy, without failing because of hindrances developing out of tight economic dependencies with China.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLDecember 20, 20239DashLine, Simona Grano, Increased engagement with Taiwan needs less rhetoric and more (quiet) action, China, Taiwan, geopolitics, geopolitical competition, US, trade, Beijing, Taiwan Strait, business, balance, democracy, Taiwan’s autonomy, universal public goods, COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains, semiconductor industry, like-minded, Russian invasion of Ukraine, human rights, Taiwan Issue, global economy, European Union, chip manufacturing industry, European Chips Act, trade agreement, China’s economic coercion, diversification, economic dependence, parliamentarian delegations, World Health Assembly (WHA), INTERPOL, ernational Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), COP28, public health, climate change, civil society, think tanks, NGOs, Taipei, Chinese trade practices, EU-China summit, de-risking

Democratic resilience – Why Taiwan and Europe must be more ambitious in 2024

Written by Dr Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy

Taiwan is a frontline democracy, which makes it an indispensable partner for Europe, one it should learn from as it braces for its own elections, with interference and information manipulation expected to increase, in particular from China and Russia.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLDecember 18, 2023Democratic resilience – Why Taiwan and Europe must be more ambitious in 2024, Dr Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, EU-Taiwan relations, China, Europe, Parliamentary diplomacy, Russia, Taiwan national election, European Parliament, democratic resilience, European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), European Parliament’s Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes (INGE), Committee on International Trade (INTA), Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, President Tsai Ing-wen, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, Ukraine, Baltic nations, Lai Ching-te, Hou Yu-ih, Ko Wen-je, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), Disinformation, Doublethink Lab, Taiwanese identity

EU-China Summit: A relationship stuck in time

Written by Dr Francesca Ghiretti

Holding the first in-person summit since 2019 is an important achievement, and the EU has been able to express some important concerns to Xi Jinping directly; however, the words — especially from China — demonstrate Beijing still views the EU mostly as an economic partner.

Italy and the Indo-Pacific: towards an Italian Indo-Pacific strategy

Written by Dr Gabriele Abbondanza

All things considered, it seems evident that Italy is ready to develop and issue a formal Indo-Pacific strategy that considers national, European, and Indo-Pacific interests as vital components of a strategic whole.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLDecember 6, 20239dashline, Italy and the Indo-Pacific: towards an Italian Indo-Pacific strategy, Gabriele Abbondanza, Indo-Pacific, Italy, flashpoints, Taiwan, East China Seas, South China Seas, Korean Peninsula, choke points, global maritime trade, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, macro-region, US, Indo-Pacific nations, Europe, IPSR, International Political Science Review, European foreign policy, France, UK, Germany, EU, European Union, Indo-Pacific strategy, Indo-Pacific committee, Italian parliament, naval deployments, Rome, Enlarged Mediterranean, Mediterraneo Allargato, United Nations, Carabiniere frigate, European missions, NATO missions, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific mission, Morosini offshore patrol vessel, offshore patrol vessels, South China Sea, multilateral exercises, Cavour carrier strike group, international law, multilateralism, strategic partnerships, China, beijing, international order, Pacific Island Forum, PIF, Vietnam, South Korea, Indian Ocean Rim Association, IORA, ASEAN, Italian-Indian-Japanese trilateral, Japan, Global Combat Air Programme, Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, multilateral approach, strategic compass, political affiliation, foreign policy priorities, Chamber of Deputies, parliamentary committee, risk-benefit analysis

How the UK supports regional order in the Indo-Pacific

Written by Dr Thomas Wilkins

Despite dangers closer to home and straitened finances, London does appear to be committed to the region, even if the implementation of some aspects of its new strategic approach remains patchy.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLNovember 30, 2023How the UK supports regional order in the Indo-Pacific, Dr Thomas Wilkins, 9Dashline, Great Britain, France, EU, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, resident power, minilateral engagements, Indo-Pacific Strategy, Integrated Review, Integrated Review Refresh, EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, Global Britain, liberal international order, Royal Navy, multilateral military exercises, Development Assistance, China, Japan, India, ‘over the horizon’ partner, James Cleverly, networks and grids, Free and Open Indo-Pacific, Australia, Singapore, TALISMAN SABRE military exercises, UK-Japan Strategic Partnership, British Defence Singapore Support Unit, AUKUS, Global Combat Aircraft Programme, Partnership for the Blue Pacific, Five Power Defence Arrangements, New Zealand, Malaysia, ASEAN, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement toward Transpacific Partnership

The EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument — A new step in EU-China escalation?

Written by Sjorre Couvreur

The adoption of the Anti-Coercion Instrument entails an important step for the EU’s adjustment to an increasingly geoeconomic context in international trade policy.

Walking a tightrope: Balancing research security concerns with a need for China competence

Written by Dr Hannes Gohli

To make judgements on research security, but also business transactions and diplomatic relations with China, establishing a knowledge base on the country is of vital importance. Yet precisely at this critical moment, when European governments are calling for more China competence, student numbers in Sinology are declining.

Sino-Hungarian relations: Xi’s ‘Trojan Horse’ in the EU

Written by Perle Petit

By asserting its autonomy and crafting an alternative narrative about possible relations with China, particularly against the EU’s attempts at creating a unified foreign policy stance, Hungary has positioned itself as a ‘Trojan horse’ for Beijing to embed itself in the EU.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLNovember 15, 20239dashline, Perle Petit, Sino-Hungarian relations: Xi’s ‘Trojan Horse’ in the EU, Viktor Orbán, beijing, Xi Jinping, Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, belt and road forum, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Premier Li Qian, Hungary's democratic decline, 2023 BRI Forum, March 2023 speech on EU-China relations, Ursula von der Leyen, Macron arrived with a cohort of French CEO, global polycrisis, polycrisis, Russian sanctions, European union, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, Eastern Opening’ foreign policy strategy, Hungary foreign policy strategy, China is Hungary’s ninth biggest trading partner, Budapest-Belgrade Railway, European powerhouse for electric vehicle battery production, sino-hungarian projects, 22 billion in EU funds remain frozen, Fidesz, chinese investment, EU statement criticising China’s new security law, crackdown on democracy’ in Hong Kong in 202, crackdown on democracy’ in Hong Kong in 2022, an opportunity to elevate the China-Hungary comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, anti-coercion instrument, trojan horse, trojan horse in the EU

Chartering a course for peace: EU-Philippines maritime security cooperation

Written by Daniela Braun, Marie Antoinette de Jesus, and Sophiya Navarro

Increasing EU-Philippine maritime security cooperation is a positive development that reflects both actors’ mutual interests and values, as well as their willingness to engage with each other and other Indo-Pacific actors.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific9DLOctober 13, 20239dashline, Chartering a course for peace: EU-Philippines maritime security cooperation, EU, Philippines, European Union, European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Manila, Brussels, diplomatic relations, trade relations, trade exports, climate change, digital economy, connectivity, infrastructure, China, Beijing, Chinese aggression, South China Sea, Indo-Pacific, maritime disputes, Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, geopolitical significance, intensifying competition, US, Washington, Russia-Ukraine war, geopolitics, global economy, Russian oil and gas, maritime security cooperation, maritime security, EU-Philippine, Bongbong, Marcos, Jr., Rodrigo Duterte, ASEAN Coordinator for Dialogue Relations with the EU, security cooperation, EU-Philippines Joint Committee Meeting, ocean governance, maritime issues, blue economy, CRIMARIO, Critical Maritime Routes Indian Ocean, maritime domain awareness, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, National Coast Watch Council Center, ASEAN, Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing Platform, IORIS, Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia, ESIWA, multilateralism, rules-based order, maritime security partnership, Arbitral Ruling, 2016 arbitral ruling, US State Department, navigation freedoms, flight freedoms, EU Delegation in Manila, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS, von der Leyen, defence assistance, threat assessments

Balancing on fumes: What drives France in the Indo-Pacific

Written by Dylan Motin

France’s Indo-Pacific strategy mainly arises from the fear of China. Despite French official discourse, it is clearly on the American side of the containment fence and will remain there for the foreseeable future.