Europe presses tough Taiwan stance after backlash against Macron comments

European leaders have taken a firm stance against China's recent military activity around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed her concerns about China's attempt to control Taiwan during a press conference in Beijing, where she was joined by her Chinese counterpart Qin Gang. She warned that any such attempt by China would be unacceptable and would have serious consequences for Europe. Baerbock's comments came as China conducted intense military drills around Taiwan and refused to renounce the use of force to bring the democratic island under its control.

EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell echoed Baerbock's remarks in a statement prepared for a speech at the Center for China and Globalization think tank in Beijing. Borrell had to cancel his speech after testing positive for COVID-19, but he emphasized the severity of the situation in Taiwan. He stated that a military escalation in the Taiwan Strait, which sees around 50% of world trade pass through every day, would be a "horror scenario" for the entire world. Borrell warned that such a scenario would have "inevitable repercussions" for European interests and urged China to avoid such actions.

While the European Union's position on Taiwan has remained consistent and clear, recent comments by French President Emmanuel Macron have drawn backlash for being perceived as weak. In interviews published after his trip to China, which was meant to showcase European unity on China policy, Macron cautioned against being drawn into a crisis over Taiwan driven by an "American rhythm and a Chinese overreaction." While many of his remarks were not new, their timing and bluntness annoyed many Western officials. Macron's comments contrasted with the tough stance taken by other European leaders, sparking criticism from those who believe Europe needs to present a unified front against China's actions.

In addition to the Taiwan issue, Borrell also expressed concerns about Europe's relationship with China depending on China's efforts to find a political solution to the Ukraine crisis. Borrell stated that it would be "extremely difficult, if not impossible" for the European Union to maintain a relationship of trust with China if it does not contribute to finding a political solution based on Russia's withdrawal from Ukrainian territory. These comments reflect the growing concern among European leaders about China's actions on the global stage and its impact on European interests.

Overall, European leaders have taken a firm stance against China's recent military activity around Taiwan, emphasizing the severity of the situation and its potential impact on global trade and European interests. While some officials have expressed caution, others have called for a unified front against China's actions. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has also complicated Europe's relationship with China, as many European leaders see China's efforts to find a political solution as a litmus test for their future relationship. The situation is complex and evolving rapidly, and it remains to be seen how it will impact the relationship between Europe and China in the long term.