European Parliament to Vote on New EU-China Strategy Amid Rising Tensions
MEPs in Strasbourg are debating a recommendation on how the EU should handle growing frictions with China over trade, security and human-rights issues, with a vote set for 7 October.
During a plenary session in Strasbourg, the European Parliament is reviewing a recommendation that outlines the EU’s response to escalating disputes with China on multiple fronts, including trade, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and security in the Taiwan Strait and South/East China Seas. The proposal, drafted by the Foreign Affairs Committee and steered by Belgian MEP Hilde Vautmans, will be voted on 7 October. It highlights concerns over China’s economic model creating sectoral overcapacity and its support for Russia, while also stressing human-rights issues in Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang.
Despite the tensions, the text does not call for ending engagement, instead urging continued dialogue and greater EU resilience. The upcoming vote comes ahead of EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič’s planned visit to Beijing, which will test the effectiveness of existing EU-China mechanisms. The outcome will shape how Brussels balances economic interests with geopolitical and values-based challenges in its relationship with Beijing.
Why it matters
The vote will set the EU’s next policy direction toward China, affecting trade, security and human-rights cooperation.
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