In the emerging world order, Europe and China's interests align, allowing Brussels and Beijing to reshape global power into a balance where Europe matters and China gains legitimacy as a responsible power. Pragmatic engagement, not moral posturing, is the only way Europe can regain relevance, while a stronger Europe offers China a credible partner in strategic and economic arenas.
This opinion piece argues that Europe and China cannot afford to let ambiguity define their relations. Unless differences are managed pragmatically, Europe will remain trapped in suspicion and China mistrusted. Europe's greatest frustration with Beijing is its stance on the Ukraine war, where China has neither condemned nor endorsed Russia's invasion. For Europe, this undermines its moral and security stance, as ambiguity feeds distrust and locks Brussels into suspicion rather than strategy, eroding Europe's resilience. Resilience for Europe and credibility for China are complementary goals: Europe cannot afford paralysis; China cannot afford mistrust. Together, they can reshape global power into a balance where Europe matters and China gains legitimacy as a responsible power. The article stresses pragmatic engagement as key to avoiding Europe's paralysis and China's isolation.
