How the EU-China relationship became a casualty of Russia’s war in Ukraine
- Russia’s invasion, and Beijing’s perceived support for Moscow, have overshadowed everything else for the past 12 months
- Western Europe still seems keen to maintain strong ties, but central and eastern Europe say Beijing has not delivered on investments
When European and Chinese officials talk these days, the meetings tend to follow a certain pattern.
The Chinese say the war is not their business, that they have no sway over Putin, and that they support a peaceful settlement, before laying the blame for the conflict largely at the feet of the United States and Nato, echoing Putin’s rationale for the invasion.
Only once these awkward exchanges have taken place can other matters be discussed. According to officials and diplomats, the dynamic plays out at every level from the top down, from discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and European Council president Charles Michel in December, to talks between Beijing’s envoy for central and eastern Europe Jiang Yu and mid-ranking diplomats last year.
This pattern is unlikely to change any time soon.
The invasion – and specifically Beijing’s perceived support for Moscow’s military assault – has overshadowed everything else in the EU-China relationship for the past 12 months.