UK Media: Europe Should Learn China's Strategic Layout to Survive in Chaotic Times
Against the backdrop of the Iran conflict and energy crisis, Europe faces significant risks similar to those confronting China—but responds in starkly different ways. China has long prepared for an era of disorder by stockpiling oil, food, semiconductors, rare earths, and key future technologies, securing a dominant position in global supply chains. In contrast, Europe has relied heavily on NATO for security, WTO rules, and Russian energy, leaving it ill-prepared as energy prices surge.
China holds dominance in critical industries and supply chains. Eighty percent of the global drone supply chain is controlled by China, and 97% of the EU’s magnesium imports come from China; batteries, solar, wind energy, and electric vehicle supply chains are also largely dominated by Chinese enterprises. This makes Europe highly dependent on China during its energy transition and military expansion.
If Europe does not adopt a more proactive strategy, it risks deindustrialization, market imbalances, and political coercion. It is recommended that Europe learn from China’s experience: restrict capital outflows, increase investment in green technology, artificial intelligence, and defense, stockpile strategic minerals, and leverage tariffs, digital regulations, and anti-coercion tools to strengthen its autonomy in global supply chains and geopolitics—thereby ensuring survival and maintaining defensive capabilities in turbulent times.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864910976872455/
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