The European Parliament has called on the European Union to strengthen its diplomatic ties, security cooperation, and economic alliances with democracies such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, in view of the advance of authoritarian regimes in East Asia and the transformation of the international order.
In a report backed this Wednesday by the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, which will be put to a vote in the mid-July plenary session, it is noted that the expansion of "authoritarian governance models" in East Asia requires "closer cooperation and coordination with democratic partners such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan."
MEPs consider it essential to achieve "greater rapprochement" and reinforced cooperation with "partners who share the same democratic values and high regulatory standards" in order to "reduce the EU's strategic dependence" and bolster economic security, in a context where regional dynamics "are increasingly marked by coercive economic practices and security tensions."
The parliamentary committee also supports strengthening trade and investment ties to diversify supply chains and expand the EU's access to critical technologies and resources, especially semiconductors, batteries, and essential raw materials. In this regard, MEPs recognize "the leadership of Japan and South Korea" in Artificial Intelligence, defense technologies, and response capabilities against cyber and military threats.
The document also proposes promoting strategic alliances in areas such as cybersecurity, the fight against terrorism, crisis management, and the combat against disinformation and foreign interference, while consolidating economic ties.
Likewise, the report proposes creating a specific cooperation framework between the EU and Taiwan with "a strong economic and commercial dimension," focused on semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, and cyber and maritime security.
Regarding "China's growing influence" on international peace and stability, especially in relation to Russia's war of invasion against Ukraine and instability in the Middle East, MEPs emphasize the urgency of strengthening coordination with partners in the region.
At the same time, they underline the need to provide greater coherence to European foreign policy towards North Korea, developed together with Japan and South Korea, as a response to "Russia's growing cooperation with Pyongyang" and concern over its support for North Korean nuclear and ballistic programs, including possible links with Iran.
"In an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment, the European Union must intensify its cooperation with like-minded partners in East Asia. The region is not only a cornerstone of global trade, technological innovation, and critical supply chains, but also a fundamental pillar of international security," said the rapporteur of the report, Polish MEP from the European Conservatives and Reformists group Adam Bielan.