Read on Twitter
On German/French prodding, EU foreign ministers will start talking about EU policy in Indo-Pacific and an EU strategy for the region. That sounds very dull. But it's not. Think #China. Recent German paper on this gently hit this point. Diplomats swear it's not a regional... 1/2
containment policy for #China. And it isn't only. It's about EU role in the region and building alliances and its presence there. But this wouldn't be happening outside the context of #China's rise & the evident challenges this poses. 2/2
Some more on this. A non paper by Fr/Ge/NL calls on foreign mins "to vote conclusions according to which we will invite the Commission and the HR/VP to publish a joint communication relating to a EU strategic approach or a
strategy for the #Indo-Pacific." -3-
strategy for the #Indo-Pacific." -3-
Paper gives 5 principles for EU in region. Many of which are clearly applicable to #China challenge. Promote "sustainable & rules based" trade & other links (infrastructure/public messaging), safeguard "strong & effective" multilateralism, enhance EU regional security profile-4-
& while South China Sea is not directly mentioned, security of sea lanes under UNCLOS rules is repeatedly. Paper says EU nations "increase their naval presence with the aim of promoting freedom of navigation as enshrined in UNCLOS, & to implement UN resolutions
and sanctions"-5-
and sanctions"-5-
