Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa
Geopolitics Analyst in EU-Asia Relations and AsiaGlobal Fellow, The University of Hong Kong
Jan 05, 2024
Subsidies have evolved into dual-purpose instruments, serving as drivers of self-reliance and geopolitical tools. This transformation, spurred by economic strategies and national security concerns, blurs the line between economic prosperity and safeguarding strategic interests, urging the need for a unified global economic stimulus strategy and enhanced cooperation in new realms to navigate this complex interplay effectively.
Dec 21, 2023
The EU’s attempt to lead global infrastructure development has been costly, but still lags behind America and China’s investment programs. Europe needs to make significant changes to catch up to the world’s leading powers.
Dec 09, 2023
The global electric vehicle industry, dominated by China's rapid growth, has intensified competition, prompting the EU to investigate Chinese EVs and risking strained Sino-EU trade ties. The EU must balance climate aspirations and domestic interests while bolstering its EV industry for a sustainable and competitive future.
Nov 03, 2023
Europe’s dealings with China vary greatly from the level of the European Union down to each member’s policies, however explicit they may be. Germany’s role as a leader in Europe makes its own approach to China an important indicator of what the rest of the EU may do.
Sep 29, 2023
Since the end of World War II, the West’s hegemonic power has been synonymous with the NATO alliance. Decades later, the scope of NATO’s cause has expanded far beyond the “North Atlantic,” and is now locking horns with an ascendant China.
Aug 14, 2023
India’s emergence has the potential to occupy a portion of the global stage as Western powers decouple/de-risk from China’s dominance in strategic sectors. Nevertheless, India faces obstacles, including its own dependence on China and the latter’s trade hegemony.
Jul 21, 2023
Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently visited several EU nations, and his visits revealed much about where China sees opportunities to make inroads in the West, and his reception by European counterparts show some notable approaches by EU leaders to China’s overtures.
Jun 29, 2023
Redefining trade and economic relationships to achieve balance and prevent excessive dependence in strategic sectors has emerged as a key protectionist policy and geopolitical tool among major global powers. And while policies like dumping, dual circulation, security and development, or decoupling and de-risking, all share a common objective, each major power must determine its own mechanisms for course correction.
Jun 06, 2023
Europe is altering its China policy to reduce reliance on vital technologies, while seeking a balance between protecting its interests and fostering cooperation. And by shifting the relationship, we have the opportunity to heal divisions, and prioritize shared interests that have been, expressed, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.
May 03, 2023
The EU’s pursuit of becoming an autonomous and influential global power, while balancing relationships with the U.S. and China, was jolted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The EU aims to collaborate and compete as an equal with both powers, while improving its domestic strength, ensuring reciprocity, and linking trade to geopolitics, foreign policy, and security. And the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, executing the EU strategy in Asia and the Indo-Pacific, and establishing a collective defense structure with operational objectives, are three projects that could help achieve these goals.