Diverging Paths: EU’s China Policy Sparks Concern Within NATO

Recent efforts by the European Union to strengthen ties with China are creating friction within NATO, especially concerning the alliance’s “strategic concept” adopted in 2022. This concept identifies China’s ambitions and policies as a challenge to NATO’s interests, security, and values. The core issue revolves around the EU’s pursuit of closer economic relations with Beijing, a move that some within NATO view as undermining the alliance’s unified stance against potential threats.

While official NATO sources have remained tight-lipped, military sources indicate unease within the alliance regarding the EU’s approach to China. This divergence in strategy comes at a critical time, as NATO prepares for its upcoming summit in The hague.

The Hague Summit: A crucial Juncture for NATO’s Future

The NATO summit, scheduled for June 24-26 in The Hague, is poised to be a pivotal event. Secretary General Mark Rutte is actively working to foster consensus between the United States and European nations, particularly regarding defense spending. A key objective is to demonstrate to the U.S.management the value of the alliance in addressing challenges posed by China, thereby reinforcing the institution’s stability.

However, the EU’s pursuit of closer ties with China presents a challenge to this objective. By seemingly contradicting NATO’s strategic concept, these actions could provide ammunition for those within the U.S. administration who question the commitment of European partners to a unified front.

NATO’s Strategic Concept: China as a Systemic Challenge

NATO’s strategic concept serves as a roadmap, outlining the alliance’s priorities and guidelines in the face of evolving security threats. China was first identified as a challenge in the 2022 update, primarily due to its relationship with Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict. Point 13 of the document explicitly warns that China employs a range of tools – political, economic, and military – to expand its global presence and project power, actions that can undermine the alliance’s security.

The declared aspirations and coercive policies of the People’s Republic of china (RPC) challenge our interests,our security and our values.

NATO Strategic Concept, 2022

The strategic concept further highlights China’s ambition to dominate key technological and industrial sectors, critical infrastructure, and strategic supply chains. It also notes China’s use of economic leverage to create dependencies and increase its influence, as well as its efforts to subvert the international order.

He strives to subvert the international order based on standards, including the spatial, cyber and maritime areas. The deepening of the strategic association between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation, and its mutual attempts to weaken the international order based on norms are against our values ​​and interests.

NATO Strategic Concept, 2022

Economic Ties vs. Strategic Alignment: A delicate Balancing Act

The core issue isn’t necessarily the existence of bilateral relations between EU member states and China, but rather the manner in which these relationships are being cultivated. For example, consider the recent trade imbalances. According to Eurostat, the EU’s trade deficit with China reached a record high of €397 billion in 2023. This deficit underscores the economic complexities at play and the EU’s desire to address these imbalances through closer engagement.

The concern lies in the potential for economic considerations to overshadow strategic alignment within NATO. The push for stronger EU-China relations, particularly if perceived as prioritizing economic gains over security concerns, risks undermining the alliance’s unity and resolve in addressing shared challenges.

Spain’s Stance: A call for Dialog and Cooperation

Despite rising geopolitical tensions, Spain is championing stronger ties between the EU and china, emphasizing the need for negotiated solutions and increased collaboration. This position comes at a time when other NATO members are expressing growing concerns about China’s influence and potential threats.

In a recent statement in Beijing, a Spanish official reiterated Spain’s commitment to fostering balanced relations, stating the country’s desire to find negotiated solutions to our differences… and of greater cooperation. This sentiment was echoed multiple times, underscoring Spain’s dedication to building a positive agenda with china.

We believe it is necessary to continue advancing in the establishment of solid relations between China and the EU and also between China and Spain. As an active member and I think also with weight inside the EU, we put the emphasis on what I think is right now to continue building a positive agenda… We believe that there are opportunities to deepen that bilateral relationship between spain and China, and China and the EU.

NATO’s Perspective: A Focus on Resilience and Challenges Posed by China

In contrast to Spain’s emphasis on cooperation, NATO has been increasingly vocal about the challenges and potential threats posed by China. Recent NATO meetings have focused on strengthening resilience and addressing China’s growing influence in various sectors.

NATO’s concerns are not unfounded. China’s economic and military power has grown significantly in recent years.According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China’s military expenditure in 2024 reached an estimated $296 billion, representing a significant increase over the past decade. This growth, coupled with China’s assertive foreign policy, has raised concerns among NATO members about potential security risks.

Examples of NATO’s concerns regarding China include:

• November 30, 2022: NATO Foreign Ministers discussed strengthening resilience and addressing challenges posed by China.
• April 5, 2023: NATO Foreign Ministers focused on China and support for Ukraine.
• July 2, 2024: NATO National Security Advisors addressed the growing challenges that China poses.
• July 11, 2024: Discussions on deepening ties against the alignment of Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

These discussions highlight a growing consensus within NATO that China presents a complex challenge that requires careful consideration and a coordinated response.

Balancing Act: Navigating Cooperation and Competition

The differing perspectives of Spain and NATO highlight the complex balancing act facing the EU in its relationship with China. While Spain emphasizes the potential for cooperation and mutual benefit, other nations are wary of China’s growing influence and potential security implications.

The EU’s approach to China will likely involve a combination of engagement and vigilance. This includes seeking opportunities for trade and investment while also addressing concerns about human rights,intellectual property theft,and unfair trade practices. The EU’s strategy will need to be carefully calibrated to ensure that it promotes its interests and values while also avoiding unnecessary confrontation.

Ultimately, the future of EU-china relations will depend on the ability of both sides to find common ground and address their differences through dialogue and negotiation. Spain’s advocacy for balanced relations may play a crucial role in shaping this future.

A History of Warnings: NATO’s Focus on china’s Influence

Recent commentary suggesting surprise at NATO’s focus on China overlooks a series of clear and consistent statements from the alliance over the past several years.Far from being a sudden shift, NATO’s concern regarding China’s growing global influence and its implications for Euro-Atlantic security has been a recurring theme in official communications and strategic planning.

NATO’s engagement with the challenges posed by China has been steadily increasing. This isn’t a knee-jerk reaction, but a measured response to a shifting geopolitical landscape. The alliance has consistently highlighted China’s growing military capabilities, its economic coercion, and its close relationship with Russia as potential threats to the established international order.

Key Milestones: Documenting NATO’s Concerns

Several key events and publications demonstrate the consistency of NATO’s message regarding China:

• November 2022: NATO Foreign Ministers convened to discuss support for Kyiv and, significantly, the challenges presented by China. This meeting served as an early indicator of the alliance’s growing awareness of the multifaceted challenges posed by Beijing.
• July 2022: the NATO Strategic Concept explicitly addressed China, identifying the “systematic challenges that it raises to Euro-Atlantic security.” This document formalized NATO’s concerns and provided a framework for addressing them.
• July 2024: NATO publicly affirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with partners in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea, to counter authoritarianism and the growing alignment of russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. this statement, disseminated through official channels, underscored NATO’s proactive approach to addressing these challenges.

Beyond Official statements: A Consistent Narrative

These official pronouncements are not isolated incidents.Thay represent a consistent narrative that has been reinforced through various channels, including social media and public forums. the alliance has made a concerted effort to communicate its concerns about china’s actions and their potential impact on global security.

For example, consider the increasing naval presence of China in international waters. According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Department of defense, China possesses the largest navy in the world, with a growing capacity to project power far beyond its borders. This expansion, coupled with China’s assertive territorial claims in the South China Sea, has raised concerns among NATO members and partner nations alike.

Expert Opinion: A Lack of Justification for Surprise

According to military sources, the notion of being unaware of NATO’s position on China is simply untenable. Sánchez has been everything but appropriate, one source stated, suggesting a disconnect between public statements and the reality of NATO’s long-standing concerns.

The consistent messaging from NATO, coupled with readily available data on China’s growing influence, makes any claim of surprise difficult to justify.The alliance has been transparent in its assessment of the challenges posed by China, and its actions reflect a commitment to addressing those challenges in a coordinated and strategic manner.

Looking Ahead: NATO’s Continued Engagement

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, NATO’s focus on China is likely to intensify. The alliance will need to continue to adapt its strategies and strengthen its partnerships to effectively address the challenges posed by China’s growing influence. This will require a sustained commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and, where necessary, deterrence.

The future will likely see NATO deepening its cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners, focusing on areas such as cybersecurity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. the goal is to maintain a stable and rules-based international order in the face of growing authoritarian influence.