News Desk
BRUSSELS — The United States has escalated its rivalry with China, blacklisting the state-owned shipping giant , a move that reverberates far beyond maritime commerce. The decision highlights growing U.S. concerns about Beijing’s strategic influence over global infrastructure and leaves Europe caught between its two largest trading partners.
The sanctions, announced this week, target COSCO’s operations as part of broader efforts to counter China’s economic and geopolitical ambitions. While ostensibly a commercial entity, COSCO is closely tied to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and operates key ports across Europe, including Piraeus in Greece, Genoa in Italy, and Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
For Washington, the blacklist is a national security measure. U.S. officials allege that COSCO’s global shipping operations could be a Trojan horse for military and intelligence activities, enabling Beijing to extend its strategic foothold under the guise of trade.
“China’s investments in global infrastructure are not just about economics; they’re about power,” a senior U.S. official said on condition of anonymity. “We’re drawing a line.”
The sanctions thrust Europe into a precarious position. Many European nations have benefited from Chinese investments, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Greece, for instance, has seen the Port of Piraeus transformed into a major maritime hub since COSCO assumed control. The investment has been crucial for Greece’s recovery from its financial crisis but has also deepened its dependency on Beijing.
Italy, too, has embraced China’s investments, with COSCO playing a critical role in the Port of Genoa, a key logistics center. Rome’s ties to the BRI now face potential strain as Washington pressures European nations to align against Beijing.
Even Spain and the Netherlands, while less entwined with Chinese infrastructure projects, are bracing for disruption. Ports in Barcelona, Valencia, and Rotterdam depend on COSCO’s extensive shipping network. Any disruption could ripple through supply chains, impacting industries from textiles to automotive manufacturing.
Europe’s relationship with China has long been ambivalent. While European leaders have decried Beijing’s human rights abuses and territorial assertiveness, economic pragmatism has often prevailed. China’s vast market and willingness to fund infrastructure projects have been difficult to resist, even as concerns over intellectual property theft and strategic dependency grow.
The EU’s attempts to maintain a balanced approach have left it vulnerable. As Washington shifts focus from Russia to China, European leaders face a stark choice: deepen economic ties with Beijing or align with the U.S. to counter China’s influence.
The fallout from the COSCO sanctions extends beyond politics. Europe’s ports are vital nodes in global trade, and any disruption could send shockwaves through industries worldwide. Shipping lines reliant on COSCO may face delays and increased costs, further straining a global supply chain already battered by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions.
Analysts warn that Europe’s middle-ground strategy is becoming untenable. “The EU prides itself on being a strategic actor, but when it comes to China, it looks more like a spectator,” said a European policy expert.
The COSCO sanctions underscore a deeper shift in global dynamics, with the U.S. and China vying for dominance and Europe struggling to assert itself. As Washington and Beijing square off, Europe must decide whether it will be a player in the new geopolitical order or a pawn in the escalating competition.
For now, Europe’s attempt to navigate the waters between Washington and Beijing looks increasingly fraught. The days of neutrality, it seems, are over.
