By being more assertive with China and cooperating more with India, the EU can create a comfortable position for itself
The Indo-Pacific region has acquired striking importance with US-China strategic competition intensifying earlier than ever. accelerated development of the Quad involving Australia, Japan, India and the US; Rise of AUKUS covering Australia, UK and US; And other alignments raise the question: where does Europe stand with respect to this churn?
this is complex
Europe’s Asia link is old, strong and multi-layered. Asia is viewed and assessed from national and regional perspectives. This explains why countries such as France, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK have announced their own specific policies towards the Indo-Pacific since at least 2018. The European Union (EU) is in the process of combating the rise of China and other Asian economies, tensions caused by China’s aggression along its periphery, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Economic Consolidation and Transition through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. -Pacific Partnership. Against this background, the announcement of its preliminary policy findings by the Council of the European Union in April, followed by the unveiling of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific on 16 September is noteworthy.
Viewed from Brussels, the European Union and the Indo-Pacific are “natural partner regions”. The EU is already a significant player in the Indian Ocean littoral states, the ASEAN region and the Pacific island states, but the strategy aims to increase EU participation across a broad spectrum. Future progress will be shaped by principles ranging from imperatives to protecting a “rules-based international order”; Providing equal opportunities for trade and investment, the Sustainable Development Goals and multilateral cooperation; Supporting “truly inclusive policy-making” involving civil society and the private sector; and protect human rights and democracy.
The policy document also states that cooperation in sustainable and inclusive prosperity, green transition, ocean governance, digital governance and partnership, connectivity, security and defence, and human security will be strengthened. The EU thus promises to focus on the security and development dimensions of its relations with the region.
But the EU’s security and defense capabilities are quite limited compared to that of the US and China. To address the imbalance in favor of economic ties, the EU will need to provide adequate space and support to France, which has vast assets and ties with the Indo-Pacific. It will also have to establish strategic coordination with the UK as the UK prepares to expand its role in Asia as part of its ‘Global Britain’ strategy.
As a major economic power, the EU has an excellent prospect of success in its trade negotiations with Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand; in concluding discussions for an Economic Partnership Agreement with the East African Community; and in forming fisheries agreements and green alliances with interested partners to fight climate change. To achieve all this and more, the EU must increase its readiness to share its financial resources and new technologies with partners.
Outlook for China and India
The European Union suffers from marked internal divisions. Many states see China as a great economic opportunity, but others are acutely aware of the full nature of China’s challenge. He believes that a new Cold War due to neither China’s dominance in Asia nor the bipolarity will serve Europe’s interests.
The risks facing the European Union are diverse. Russia next door is the more traditional threat. It is moving fast towards China. Therefore, the EU should make it easier to cooperate with the Quad. However, AUKUS spoiled the waters especially for France. Nevertheless, efforts by a part of the Western Alliance to strengthen naval and technical facilities to deal with China may not be welcome. The EU needs an internally coordinated approach.
India has reasons to be pleased with EU policy. India’s significant position in the region requires a closer India-EU partnership. The India-EU leaders meeting on 8 May, followed by the Foreign Minister’s Gymnich meeting in Slovenia on 3 September, was designed to “foster new synergies” with EU foreign ministers. The early conclusion of an ambitious and comprehensive trade agreement and a standalone investment protection agreement will be key steps. Collaboration in Industry 4.0 technologies is desirable. An important priority should also be to strengthen and upgrade defense ties with France, Germany and the UK.
The EU can create a comfortable position for itself in the Indo-Pacific by being clearer with itself, more assertive with China, and more cooperating with India.
Rajiv Bhatia is Distinguished Fellow, Gateway House and a former Ambassador
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