Will Europe's pivot to Asia have any teeth?
Spurred by fears of a ‘new Ukraine’ in East Asia, European powers are ramping up their presence in the Indo-Pacific.
When Italy’s flagship Cavour aircraft carrier sailed into Yokosuka Naval Base in late August — its first-ever visit to Japan — the scene heralded what Rome’s envoy to Tokyo described as a “new era” in bilateral relations.
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Engagement with strings attached?
The question remains, however: Will Europe sustain its newfound interest in Asia? Additionally, when push comes to shove with China, will these Atlantic powers be willing to shed blood in the Indo-Pacific?
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“Europe’s engagement in any potential conflict over Taiwan or the Philippines is likely to be limited by distance, logistical challenges and competing priorities,” said Celine Pajon from the French Institute of International Relations. “The ‘pivot’ is more likely to have diplomatic and economic ‘teeth’ than purely military ones, focusing on building partnerships, economic engagement and nonmilitary capacity-building.”
Research Fellow, Head of Japan and Indo-Pacific Research, Center for Asian Studies, Ifri
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And while NATO is emerging as a platform for coordinating global cooperation, thereby facilitating a collective approach to regional security challenges, not all member states are necessarily on board with this approach as it would go beyond the alliance’s geographical remit.
Against this backdrop, analysts such as Pajon suggest establishing a “European coalition of the willing and able” to maintain the current momentum. Questions remain, however, as to how to reconcile the varying priorities and capacities of European states, some of which are reluctant to take a tougher stance toward Beijing.
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Read the full analysis on the Japan Times' website.
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Céline PAJON
Research Fellow, Head of Japan and Indo-Pacific Research, Center for Asian Studies, Ifri
