New Delhi

Britainhas taken the lead among European countries in starting the process of breaking free from dependence on China with a diversification of trade and investment ties with other countries such as India, according to a new report.

The European Union’s heavy reliance on China for goods and raw materials creates several long-lasting issues that go beyond the displayed trade imbalance. Policymakers consistently worry that so much dependence undermines European strategic autonomy.

Europe cannot pursue an independent foreign policy on Taiwan, human rights, or trade disputes while remaining so prominently reliant on Chinese goodwill for essential inputs. Due to this existing effect, EU member states usually soften criticism of Beijing to protect and continue economic ties, according to an article in Eurasia News.

The UK’s China playbook offers a template the rest of Europe would do well to follow. India looks like the natural partner to build it around. Europe’s exposure to China remains far deeper than Britain’s in electronics, solar components, pharmaceuticals, and rare earths.