The plenary of the European Parliament has called this Tuesday to intensify efforts to deepen diplomatic relations and security cooperation with democracies such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, in the face of the advance of "authoritarian" models in East Asia in a context of high global geopolitical tension.
The resolution, approved with 542 votes in favor, 37 against, and 79 abstentions, underlines that the EU needs a more decisive approach to East Asia in order to reduce strategic dependencies and strengthen its economic security.
Faced with a regional dynamic increasingly conditioned by "coercive" economic practices and growing security tensions, MEPs advocate for intensifying collaboration with partners who share democratic values and high regulatory standards.
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MEPs also recall that East Asia not only constitutes an essential pillar of global trade, technological innovation, and critical supply chains, but is also a key player for international security in the face of challenges such as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, China's influence on the geopolitical chessboard, or the growing cooperation between Russia and Pyongyang.
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At the same time, the European Parliament recognizes the leadership role of Japan and South Korea in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), defense technologies, and response to cyber and military threats. Therefore, it proposes promoting military-industrial cooperation focused on interoperability, joint development, and capability acquisition, particularly in aviation and drone technologies.
The resolution also advocates for consolidating strategic alliances with Japan and South Korea through closer cooperation in security and defense, including cybersecurity, the fight against terrorism, crisis management, and combating disinformation and foreign interference, in addition to strengthening economic ties.
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Likewise, the text advocates for creating a specific framework for cooperation between the EU and Taiwan with a marked economic and commercial dimension, focused on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity and maritime security.