Amid a flurry of diplomatic visits to Beijing,denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivered a sharp rebuke Wednesday,urging European leaders to reassess their relationship with China given its material support for Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking at SciencesPo in Paris, Frederiksen’s comments reflect a growing debate within the EU over how to balance economic engagement with China against concerns over its geopolitical alignment. Her remarks come as European nations increasingly seek to diversify partnerships in a world where conventional alliances are facing new pressures.
Danish Prime Minister Urges Europeans to Consider China’s Support of Russia
As European nations explore new partnerships amid shifting global alliances, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cautioned against overlooking China’s continued support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Her remarks, delivered Wednesday, highlight a growing concern about balancing economic interests with geopolitical realities.
Speaking to students at SciencesPo in Paris, Frederiksen emphasized the need for “reliable partners and friends” in a rapidly changing world. However, she argued that China presents a more complex case than other potential allies.
“Russia would not be able to sustain a large-scale war in Ukraine for nearly four years without China’s help,” Frederiksen stated. “I know that China is helping Russia in its war in Europe, where [Russia] is killing Europeans, and I think none of us should look at China in the same way as before the war” that began with Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The statement underscores the increasing scrutiny of China’s role in the conflict.
The comments came as several European leaders have recently visited China. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in China on Wednesday for an official visit – the first by a UK head of government since 2018. French President Emmanuel Macron visited in December, following a July trip by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also recently concluded a visit, announcing agreements with Beijing.
Europe’s pursuit of partnerships with various global powers is occurring against a backdrop of heightened international tensions and a perceived weakening of ties with the United States under the leadership of Donald Trump. This shift in dynamics is prompting a reassessment of long-held foreign policy assumptions.
