Priorities for a Transtlantic China strategy

ISSUE BRIEF

Priorities For A Transatlantic China Strategy NOVEMBER 2020

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world. The Center honors General Brent Scowcroft’s legacy of service and embodies his ethos of nonpartisan commitment to the cause of security, support for US leadership in cooperation with allies and partners, and dedication to the mentorship of the next generation of leaders. The Scowcroft Center’s Transatlantic Security Initiative brings together top policymakers, government and military officials, business leaders, and experts from Europe and North America to share insights, strengthen cooperation, and develop innovative approaches to the key challenges facing NATO and the transatlantic community. This report is made possible through general support to the Transatlantic Security Initiative and is not the result of direct sponsorship.

FRANKLIN D. KRAMER

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hina presents critical economic, security, and value challenges to the transatlantic nations. Since the end of World War II, the transatlantic nations have generally faced such challenges—and opportunities—in broad alignment. For several years, however, a variety of factors ranging from President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach, to the European concepts of strategic autonomy and sovereignty, to different emphases on issues ranging from security to trade to climate change have put that alignment in question. If there is to be an effective transatlantic China policy, the transatlantic nations should focus on strategic compatibility and coordination of six critical priorities and establish a “Transatlantic Coordinating Council” as a forum for discussion and coordination.

Critical Priorities Both North America and Europe need to limit the most significant detrimental impacts of China’s actions. Key challenges include: enhancing and protecting economies from China’s state-driven distortive behaviors; combatting cyber espionage; establishing resilient supply chains; supporting the development and independence of the Indo-Pacific region; and deterring conflict in the East and South China Seas and over Taiwan. Additionally, there are “one world” challenges–particularly climate change and health–where China is a necessary participant for effective responses. Each of these issues is susceptible to common transatlantic approaches.