China has become one of Russia’s key arms suppliers in recent years, with exports ranging from small arms to advanced missile defense systems. This has raised concerns in Europe and the US, where policymakers worry that Russia’s acquisition of advanced Chinese military technology could alter the balance of power in regions like Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Von der Leyen’s comments come amid growing tensions between the EU and China over human rights, trade, and security issues. The EU has criticized China over its treatment of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as its crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.
In her speech, von der Leyen emphasized the need for the EU to take a strong stance against China’s actions, saying that the bloc must “stand up for our values and interests.”
“We have to be clear-eyed about the challenges we face in our relationship with China,” she said. “We need to be principled, strategic and united.”
Von der Leyen also called for greater cooperation between the EU and its allies, including the US and Japan, to counter China’s rise as a global power.
“We need to deepen our partnerships with like-minded countries to make sure we can keep our interests safe and advance our values,” she said.
Overall, von der Leyen’s speech underscores the EU’s growing concerns about China’s geopolitical ambitions and its impact on Europe’s security and prosperity. As China continues to expand its influence around the world, it remains to be seen how the EU will respond to this challenge in the years ahead.
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