Quick Look
The European Parliament voted for a tougher stance on China, labeling it a 'decisive enabler' of Russia and calling for naval presence near Taiwan, while France and Germany proposed a new trade weapon to cut off EU market access for countries causing distortions, reflecting growing internal European crises that cannot be solved by blaming China.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The EU faces internal challenges including industrial decline, debt issues, and political polarization, while external pressures from China-related policies are increasing, prompting calls for stronger measures against Beijing.
As I see it
The EU is its own worst enemy
From industrial decline and debt woes to political polarisation, Europe’s crisis is home-grown – and blaming China won’t fix it
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Alex Lo has been an SCMP columnist since 2012, commenting on China and international affairs.
Published: 5:30am, 10 Oct 2026
Another day, another hardline statement from the European Union. This week, the European Parliament voted by a landslide for a significantly tougher China position, despite long-standing Beijing lobbying.
The report labels China a “decisive enabler” of Russia, calls for a “continuous” European naval presence and joint exercises in and around the Taiwan Strait, and describes Beijing’s industrial policy as an “existential threat to the EU”. “[T]his parliament can send a clear message: no more dumping, no more spying and fair competition,” said its lead author, the Belgian lawmaker Hilde Vautmans.
The message may be clear; its wisdom is not. European warships near Taiwan will not make Beijing back down. Reunification is the one issue on which Beijing will never compromise.
This came after France and Germany demanded a new trade weapon, set out in a joint paper and a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It threatens to cut off access to the EU market when third countries cause severe distortions. In effect a kill switch, it would grant the European Commission dramatic new powers to respond swiftly.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The EU will implement stricter trade measures against countries deemed to cause market distortions
Likely · Within months
European naval activity in and around the Taiwan Strait will increase
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- How effective will the proposed EU trade weapon be in practice?
- Will increased naval presence in the Taiwan Strait deter Chinese actions?
- Can the EU address its internal crises while pursuing a tougher China policy?
