China Still Relies on Europe in 5 Key Technologies Despite 2030 Self-Reliance Push
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Jun 29
China Still Relies on Europe in 5 Key Technologies Despite 2030 Self-Reliance Push
1 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jun 29
Summary
China still depends on European suppliers in semiconductors, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, automotive chips, robotics and quantum computing even as Beijing makes technological self-reliance a core goal through 2030.
ASML anchors that dependence: the Dutch group dominates EUV lithography and nearly 90% of deep-ultraviolet machines, with up to 70% of some 2024 shipments going to China, though Beijing targets domestic chip tools by 2028.
Comac’s C919 also relies on European suppliers including Safran, Liebherr Aerospace and Avio Aero, while Europe could slow certification in return for Beijing’s delays on new Airbus approvals in China.
European firms still lead in vaccine share, pharmaceutical patents, MRI components and auto chips, but China’s pharma R&D grew 16.2% annually from 2020 to 2024 and local rivals are catching up.
Experts say those dependencies give Europe limited leverage because cutting supplies would also hurt European revenues, while China’s rare-earth dominance remains the stronger retaliatory choke point.
Can China build a world-class semiconductor industry by 2028 without Europe's most advanced machines, or is this goal simply unachievable?
With Europe's tech leverage and China's resource monopoly, who truly holds the power in this escalating dependency game?
Navigating €856 Billion in Trade: China’s Struggle for Tech Independence Amid European Reliance
Overview
China’s push for technological self-reliance by 2030 faces a core paradox: despite massive state support and rapid domestic innovation, China remains deeply dependent on European technology in critical sectors. This ongoing reliance is seen in areas like semiconductors, where European expertise and equipment are essential, and is reinforced by the strong integration of European companies into China’s industrial supply chains. As a result, a complex interdependence has formed between China and the European Union, with high bilateral trade and mutual economic benefits, making complete self-sufficiency and decoupling challenging for both sides.