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China’s ‘Divide and Conquer’ Tactics in Europe Raise Concerns

- April 19, 2023
China's divide-and-conquer tactics are already 'in action,' Ursula von der Leyen warns
China is facing criticism for its "divide and conquer" tactics in Europe, which involve offering financial incentives to individual countries while attempting to weaken the collective bargaining power of the European Union. Experts warn that China's strategy seeks to exploit internal divisions within Europe to promote its own interests, potentially leading to a weakening of European unity.

The concerns come as China seeks to expand its influence in Europe, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative, a massive infrastructure project aimed at linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. Critics argue that the initiative is designed to increase China’s economic and political power at the expense of other countries.

Several European countries have already fallen prey to China’s divide and conquer strategy. Greece, for instance, has received significant investment from China to secure a strategic foothold in the country, but critics say this has come at a cost to Greece’s sovereignty and could lead to a loss of control over strategic assets.

The situation has sparked calls for greater cooperation among European countries in dealing with China. Some experts urge the EU to take a stronger stance against China’s attempts to divide and weaken Europe, while others suggest individual countries be more cautious in their dealings with China.

As China continues to expand its influence in Europe, how to deal with China’s divide and conquer tactics remains a key challenge for European leaders. The situation highlights the need for a united and cohesive approach to dealing with China’s rising power and the delicate balance between economic interests and national sovereignty.

China’s “divide and conquer” tactics in Europe are raising concerns about a weakening of European unity. Critics argue that the Belt and Road Initiative is designed to increase China’s power at the expense of other countries. Greater cooperation among European countries is being called for to deal with China’s strategy, which highlights the need for a united and cohesive approach to China’s rising power.