Europe’s approach to China is shaped by an increasingly complex combination of economic interdependence, geopolitical competition and security concerns. As European governments seek to reduce strategic dependencies, protect critical technologies and respond to China’s growing global influence, questions remain about the effectiveness and consistency of Europe’s China policy.
From Taiwan’s perspective, these debates have particular significance. Taiwan is closely connected to European economic and technological interests, while developments in the Taiwan Strait have important implications for European security and the international order. How European governments approach Beijing is therefore closely watched in Taipei.
In this CKN Knowledge Event, Prof. dr. Hung-dah Su of National Taiwan University will offer a Taiwanese perspective on Europe’s evolving policy toward China. The discussion will examine how Taiwan views European efforts to balance economic engagement with China, strategic risk reduction and the defence of democratic values.
The event will explore how European perceptions of China compare with those in Taiwan, where policymakers closely monitor China’s political, economic and military ambitions. It will also consider how Taiwan assesses Europe’s willingness and ability to translate its stated principles into concrete policies, and what Taipei expects from European governments amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
The discussion will address the implications for EU–China relations, European engagement with Taiwan and the scope for closer cooperation between Europe and Taiwan in areas such as economic security, technology and supply-chain resilience. It will also consider how European policymakers can maintain dialogue with Beijing while responding to concerns about coercion and preserving stability in the Taiwan Strait.
At a time when European governments are reassessing their relations with China and their role in the Indo-Pacific, the Taiwanese perspective offers valuable insights for Dutch policymakers and other professionals working on China, international relations and regional security.
Practical information
Date: 18 november 2026
Time: 16:00 - 17:15
Venue: A0.06 Schouwburgstraat 2, The Hague
Preliminary Agenda
15:45-16:00 Welcome
16:00-16.05 Welcome and introduction by Ms Emma Burgers (moderator)
16.05-17:00 Presentation by prof. dr. Hung-Dah Su
16:35-17:05 Discussion and Q&A, moderated by Ms Emma Burgers
17:05-17:15 Closing
17:15-18:00 Networking drinks
