MERICS: Staying Focused: Priorities for Transatlantic China Policy Coordination
Input Report for the China Track at the Munich Security Conference 2025
This MERICS report charts a way forward for the coordination of transatlantic China policies at the outset of the second Trump presidency.
China policy has had a heightened role in transatlantic relations in recent years, generating a remarkable convergence. Concerns about the challenges emanating from China were deepened Beijing’s substantial support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, ongoing Chinese market distortions and intense competition to control disruptive technologies, notably Artificial Intelligence (AI). Fundamental policy shifts in Washington can be expected to test the transatlantic relationship again. This report outlines a pragmatic approach designed to keep the focus on three key areas for tackling the China challenge: transatlantic burden sharing, dealing with market distortions and technology controls. It also points out tremendous risks for both the US and Europe should a coordinated transatlantic China policy fail.
The digital edition is available for free download: MERICS Report (355 KB)