At a recent gathering of global thinkers, French Sinologist and founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative, David Gosset, laid out a bold vision: the European Union can unlock a new era of prosperity across the Eurasian continent by pursuing an independent and autonomous policy toward the Chinese mainland.
Gosset argues that such a policy would allow EU members—particularly France—to navigate the complexities of superpower dynamics while focusing on shared interests like green technology, digital infrastructure, and sustainable trade. He explains that an independent policy is not neutrality but a strategic choice to engage on equal footing.
Data supports his case: EU imports from the Chinese mainland totaled €800 billion in 2024, making the bloc the largest partner for the Chinese mainland outside Asia. Yet, Gosset highlights that this deep trade relationship could be a springboard for broader cooperation if Europe steps out of the shadows of larger geopolitical tensions.
He suggests several pathways for synergy:
- Green Tech Partnerships: Joint research in renewable energy and electric mobility.
- Digital Connectivity: Collaborating on 5G and data security standards.
- Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Expanding student and faculty programs between French universities and counterparts in the Chinese mainland.
For Gosset, France is already leading the charge. Paris recent agreements on urban sustainability and automotive innovation with partners in the Chinese mainland demonstrate the power of this autonomous approach. He believes other EU capitals could follow suit, crafting tailor-made policies that balance economic opportunity with strategic autonomy.
As the EU charts its course in 2025, Gosset has made a clear call: by embracing an independent policy toward the Chinese mainland, Europe—and Eurasia at large—can build a cooperative future that transcends old rivalries.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
