Trend EU China policy shifts from engagement to de-risking

Summary

Since the late 2010s the EU's approach to China has moved from an emphasis on engagement and cooperation toward one that weighs economic competition, supply-chain risk and economic security together. The shift became clearer after 2019, when China was labelled an economic competitor and systemic rival, and it was turned into concrete instruments through the 2023 de-risking doctrine and the European Economic Security Strategy. De-risking does not mean broad cuts in trade and investment. It targets excessive dependence in areas of concentrated risk such as critical inputs, technologies and infrastructure while keeping the rest of the economy open. The Commission still describes China as a partner, competitor and rival at once, but voices growing concern about structural imbalances, asymmetric market access, industrial subsidies and non-market practices.