The Council of the European Union on Monday (April 19) approved a strategic plan for Indo-Pacific cooperation aimed at strengthening the EU’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region and contributing to regional stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development.
In a statement, the Council said it will strengthen its strategic focus, presence and action in the Indo-Pacific region, based on upholding democracy, human rights, the rule of law and respect for international law.
The statement said, “The current dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region have led to intense geopolitical competition, heightening tensions in trade and supply chains, as well as in the technical, political and security spheres. Human rights are also being challenged. These developments increasingly threaten the security and stability of the region and the world at large and directly affect the interests of the EU.”
The statement added that the EU will continue to develop partnerships in the areas of security and defense, addressing issues such as maritime security, malicious cyber activities, terrorism and organized crime.
The EU and its regional partners will also work together to mitigate the economic and human impact of the new crown outbreak and work to ensure an inclusive and sustainable socio-economic recovery.
This new Indo-Pacific strategy is planned to protect EU interests and counter China’s growing power through areas ranging from security to health, but the EU says its strategy is not aimed at Beijing, according to Reuters.
While the EU did not specifically mention China, the wording in the statement was a signal of support for U.S. President Joe Biden’s approach to China and was motivated by concerns about the technological and military modernization Beijing is pursuing that threatens the West and its Asian trading partners, the report said.
The report also said that the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategic plan could mean a heightened diplomatic posture on Indo-Pacific issues, with the possibility of an increased security presence, such as sending ships through the South China Sea, in addition to increased personnel and investment in the region.
China has been reclaiming islands in this disputed sea in recent years and has deployed military equipment on some of these islets. China has also recently conducted military exercises in the South China Sea and has frequently sent ships through it, sparking great concern in the international community.
The French Defense Ministry said French warships patrolled the South China Sea in February to highlight the freedom of navigation in international waterways. German officials have also said they plan to send warships to Asia in August this year, and that they will pass through the South China Sea on their return voyage.
Reuters said it is unclear how far the EU is willing to go on security issues. The EU is eager for new trade and sees potential in the Indo-Pacific region.
The EU said, “The EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy aims to reach free trade agreements with Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand, and to take further steps towards a comprehensive investment agreement with China.”
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