Charles Michel urges EU strategic autonomy in China relations and regional diplomacy

President Emeritus of the European Council Charles Michel has called for a more coherent, autonomous European Union policy on China and regional diplomacy, warning against over-reliance on the U.S. or Russia in shaping Europe’s global direction.

The European Union must define a more “precise and strategic” approach in its relationship with China and avoid letting external powers such as the U.S. or Russia dictate its direction, President Emeritus of the European Council Charles Michel said in a wide-ranging interview.

Speaking to AnewZ on Tuesday, Mr Michel emphasised the need for the EU to balance principled engagement with China — particularly on human rights and trade — while defending its strategic autonomy.

“We have to manage our differences in a responsible way… and the relationship between the EU and China should be based on its own merits,” he said. “Washington or Moscow shouldn’t influence the future relationship.”

He criticised the lack of clarity in the EU’s trade priorities with China and described the most recent EU–China summit as a “missed opportunity”, saying both sides were distracted by broader geopolitical tensions. He urged Brussels to be more specific about its economic demands, particularly on supply chain diversification and access to critical raw materials.

While recognising China’s role as a major trade partner, Michel pointed to the bloc’s vulnerability during its past dependence on Russian fossil fuels as a lesson in overreliance.

“We need to develop our own capabilities in security, defence, and innovation,” he said.

On the question of transatlantic relations, Michel reaffirmed the importance of the EU–U.S. alliance but argued it should not come at the expense of Europe’s capacity to act independently.

“America First is put into practice,” he said. “There are consequences for the rest of the world.”

He also linked China’s role to wider global responsibilities, including respect for the United Nations Charter and territorial integrity — a reference to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“If we tolerate victory for the aggressor, it sends a dangerous message to the rest of the world,” he said.

Turning to the South Caucasus, Michel welcomed the 8 August joint declaration between Armenia and Azerbaijan signed in Washington, which he described as a major step towards regional peace. He said earlier EU efforts, including the Brussels Process which he personally led, had laid the groundwork for the breakthrough.

“Brussels and the EU have no hidden agenda. We want more stability and predictability in our neighbourhood,” he said, adding that while the agreement was finalised in Washington, “the path matters more than the location.”

Michel warned, however, that external actors such as Iran and Russia continued to threaten regional progress. He accused the Kremlin of trying to prolong conflict to retain influence in the region and criticised Iran for “exporting extremism” and seeking nuclear immunity.

He concluded by saying the EU remains a reliable partner for countries seeking reform and stability.

“We sincerely want those countries to succeed… that’s the difference between the EU and Russia.”

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