EU accuses China of seeking to reshape global order in stark new strategy paper

The European Union has issued a sharp critique of China, accusing it of attempting to reshape the global order in accordance with its own interests, alongside Russia, in a newly released strategy paper. The document, prepared by the EU’s External Action Service, outlines the bloc’s concerns over Beijing's growing influence and its perceived alignment with Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. This marks one of the most pointed official statements from the EU regarding China since the bloc’s formation. The strategy paper, adopted by the EU’s 27 foreign ministers on Monday without public announcement, frames Russia and China as the leading forces challenging the existing international order. It describes both nations as “revisionist powers” intent on establishing regional dominance and promoting a system based on spheres of influence. The language used echoes NATO’s previous descriptions of Russia, suggesting a deepening rift between the West and these two countries. The paper serves as a foundational text for the EU’s upcoming comprehensive security strategy, set to be finalized later this year. According to the document, China plays a dual role as both a “key enabler” and “crucial enabler” of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. This terminology, previously reserved for Russian actions, underscores the EU’s view that Beijing is actively supporting Moscow’s aggression through economic and technological means. The paper highlights how China’s engagement with Ukraine includes providing critical military equipment, such as drones, which have been vital to Kyiv’s defense efforts against Russian advances. Despite this criticism, tensions within the EU remain evident. A recent report from the Financial Times revealed that the bloc permitted Ukraine to allocate €6 billion in EU funds to purchase drone components from China. This decision illustrates the complex balance the EU must maintain between holding China accountable for its alleged support of Russia and ensuring that Ukraine receives necessary military aid. Such contradictions highlight the internal debates within the EU over how best to address China’s geopolitical activities while safeguarding European interests. The EU’s stance reflects broader concerns about China’s increasing assertiveness on the world stage. Over the past decade, Beijing has expanded its diplomatic, economic, and strategic reach, often positioning itself as an alternative to Western-led institutions. The EU’s strategy paper suggests that this expansion is viewed as a direct challenge to the principles of multilateralism and open international cooperation. By framing China as part of a coordinated effort to undermine the current global order, the EU is signaling a more unified approach toward countering what it perceives as a systemic threat. Reactions from Chinese officials have yet to be officially commented upon, though the EU’s rhetoric is likely to provoke further diplomatic friction. The paper’s emphasis on sphere-of-influence logic aligns with historical critiques of China’s foreign policy, particularly its handling of territorial disputes and its growing military presence in regions such as the South China Sea. As the EU prepares to finalize its security strategy, the document will serve as a guiding framework for future negotiations and policy decisions involving China. The coming months will reveal whether this hardline stance translates into tangible measures or remains a rhetorical statement.