Editor's note: Wang Peng, a special commentator for CGTN, is a research fellow at the Institute of State Governance, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

As President Macron embarks on his pivotal visit to China, it signals more than just a bilateral engagement between France and China – it's a chance for Europe to reassess its entire approach towards China. In the context of the ongoing Ukraine crisis and the rapidly evolving global geopolitical landscape, Europe faces crucial choices. For the past three years, European policy, especially regarding the Ukraine conflict, has been flawed by a fundamental misunderstanding of China's role, leading to missed opportunities for deeper cooperation. The time has come for Europe to rethink its strategy and adopt a more pragmatic and mutually beneficial approach.

One of Europe's biggest mistakes has been the misreading of China's position on the Ukraine crisis. Far from being "pro-Russian," China has maintained a neutral stance, calling for respect for national sovereignty and urging dialogue. The idea that China has been complicit in Russia's actions, or that it has provided military aid, is fundamentally flawed. As China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Geng Shuang, pointed out, had China chosen to fully support one side, the situation would have been very different by now. Europe's simplistic binary view of China in this regard has hindered meaningful dialogue and cooperation.

Even more damaging, however, is Europe's mistaken belief that pressuring China – through political sanctions and media stigmatization – would force it to abandon its relationship with Russia. This "wishful thinking" ignores both China's national interests and the reality that no sovereign nation will sacrifice its strategic priorities under external pressure. China will not sever ties with Russia simply to appease Europe or the West. The past three years of pressure have not only failed to achieve the desired outcome but have also worsened relations between China and Europe, damaging trust and stalling key economic initiatives.

Instead of continuing this counterproductive approach, Europe should recognize the immense strategic and economic opportunities that lie in a more pragmatic, cooperative relationship with China. There is a much deeper and more critical alignment of interests between China and Europe, particularly in the context of the Ukraine crisis. While Europe has focused on moralizing and pressuring China, it has overlooked the potential for collaboration in areas where both sides could benefit greatly, including stabilizing the region and addressing broader security concerns.

Europe's immediate priority should be to leverage China's economic strengths – its industrial capacity, its vast supply chains, and its advanced technological capabilities – to fuel Europe's own economic recovery. Rather than pursuing futile policies aimed at isolating China, Europe should deepen cooperation in high-tech sectors, strategic minerals, and key industries. This partnership could be instrumental in achieving Europe's goals of "re-industrialization" and even "re-militarization," as the need for critical infrastructure, supply chains, and defense capabilities becomes ever more urgent.

Moreover, a shift towards practical cooperation would allow Europe to assert greater strategic autonomy. Strengthening China-Europe ties is not just about economic growth – it is a geopolitical necessity. A strong partnership with China could help Europe break free from excessive dependence on the United States, offering Europe more room to assert itself in global decision-making processes.

Instead of forcing China to sever ties with Russia, Europe should focus on how to effectively utilize China's vast capabilities to address its own pressing challenges. China's industrial base and market size present Europe with the opportunity to not only restore its economic dynamism but to gain a strategic edge in areas like green technology, digital innovation, and supply chain stability.

Ultimately, Europe's future on the global stage depends on its ability to build a cooperative relationship with China that reflects mutual respect and pragmatic interests. A clear-eyed, collaborative approach would allow Europe to regain its strategic relevance in a rapidly shifting world, while fostering greater economic resilience and geopolitical strength. The stakes are high – Europe's response to the Ukraine crisis and its broader relations with China will determine whether it remains a key player on the global stage or fades into irrelevance. Now is the time for Europe to embrace a more practical, balanced approach to its relationship with China, moving beyond outdated assumptions and towards a partnership that benefits both sides.

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