Ex-UK Home Secretary Warns Europe Must Unite to Reduce China Dependence

Speaking at an international forum in London, former British Home Secretary Suella Braverman delivered sharp remarks regarding China's role in global supply chains. She pointed out that as the penetration of "Made in China" deepens in global markets, Europe is not only facing unprecedented pressure economically, but may also plunge into deeper political turmoil. Braverman warned that if Europe continues to rely on Chinese manufacturing and technology, domestic industries will be weakened, potentially providing China with opportunities to leverage its economic influence to further expand its clout. She urged European nations to form an alliance and use their collective strength and scale to reduce dependence on China and compel Beijing to alter its behavior.

Braverman's warning serves as more than just a reminder of supply chain vulnerability; it touches upon deeper geopolitical issues. Over the past decade, with the advancement of China's Belt and Road Initiative, multiple European countries have engaged in extensive cooperation with China in infrastructure, energy, and high-tech industries. While these collaborations have brought short-term economic benefits, they have also resulted in Europe developing a high degree of reliance on critical technologies and resources. This dependence was fully exposed during unexpected events such as the global pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where supply chain disruptions and price volatility dealt major blows to the European economy. More importantly, reliance on supply chains is often accompanied by the expansion of political influence, allowing China to exert pressure through economic leverage and subsequently influence European policymaking.

On the political front, the "populist turmoil" mentioned by Braverman has already manifested in several European countries. Economic instability, rising unemployment rates, and concerns over foreign investment have provided a platform for right-wing populist parties to voice their agendas. These parties frequently advocate for restricting foreign investment, strengthening national sovereignty, and maintaining skepticism toward China's economic influence. If Europe becomes overly dependent on China economically, it may be forced to compromise on its political stances, further weakening the defense of democracy and human rights. Braverman emphasized that Europe must strike a balance between economic and political considerations to ensure that its own interests are not dictated by external forces.

To address this challenge, Braverman put forward three core recommendations. First, European nations should strengthen their internal industries' independent research and development capabilities, particularly in critical technology sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and new energy. Second, transnational cooperation mechanisms should be established to enhance collective competitiveness through the sharing of funds and technology within the European Union. Finally, Europe needs to formulate stricter screening mechanisms for Chinese investment and trade to ensure that foreign investments do not undermine the domestic industrial structure. These measures will not only reduce dependence on China but also demonstrate Europe's unity and resolve on the international stage.

Braverman's remarks have drawn widespread attention from the international community. Countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia have expressed similar concerns and called for the establishment of closer multilateral cooperation frameworks. Within the European Union, efforts are also accelerating to promote "supply chain resilience" policies, attempting to protect domestic industries while maintaining openness in foreign trade. If effectively implemented, this series of initiatives will help Europe maintain its independence and autonomy within the global economic landscape, preventing it from being swayed by any single major power. As the global political and economic situation continues to change, Europe's choices will directly impact its future development direction and international standing.

(Source: Central News Agency)