Is China Expanding Its Influence in Europe? US Lawmakers Sound the Alarm

US lawmakers and foreign leaders are increasingly alarmed by China's expanding influence in Europe, highlighting the need for closer collaboration on security and technology. During a recent hearing, concerns were raised about China's use of covert tactics and pressure strategies to manipulate European nations. Lithuania's experience with Chinese coercion serves as a stark example of the challenges faced. Experts warn that China's ambitions threaten not only trade but also the integrity of democratic societies. As Europe grapples with its reliance on Chinese imports, the call for a unified response grows louder. Discover the implications of this geopolitical shift and what it means for the future of transatlantic relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 10:14 IST

Concerns Over China's Growing Reach in Europe

Washington: Concerns are mounting among US lawmakers, international leaders, and analysts regarding China's increasing influence in Europe. They assert that Beijing employs a mix of investments, pressure tactics, and covert operations, urging for enhanced collaboration between the US and Europe on technology, supply chains, and security matters.

During a hearing focused on "China’s growing infiltration in Europe" on Wednesday, Congressman Jake Ellzey emphasized that Europe must broaden its focus beyond just Russia. He highlighted that the region is confronted with both the ongoing threat from Russia's aggression and the persistent challenge posed by China's quest for dominance.

Ellzey pointed out that China is utilizing a range of both overt and covert strategies to establish a foothold in Europe, effectively manipulating the continent.

Lithuania’s Vice Foreign Minister, Vidmantas Verbickas, shared insights on Beijing’s pressure tactics against his nation. He noted that Lithuania exited China’s "17 plus 1 format" in 2021 and allowed the establishment of a Taiwanese Representative office in Vilnius.

In response, Verbickas claimed that China resorted to coercive measures, stating, "Lithuania as a country miraculously disappeared from China’s customs systems." He reported delays or denials in export permits and increased pressure on multinational corporations.

"The impact was immediate," Verbickas remarked, revealing that Lithuanian exports to China plummeted by 99.7% in the initial months, effectively reaching zero.

He clarified that this situation was not merely a trade dispute but rather a politically motivated effort to alter a sovereign policy decision.

Senator Ruben Gallego raised alarms about technological disparities, noting that the West has been slow to react to advancements in 5G technology. He pointed out that Europe still relies on Chinese vendors for its infrastructure, with the looming risk of the next generation, "six G."

Audrye Wong, a nonresident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, articulated that China's ambitions include strengthening allies and silencing critics of the Chinese Communist Party. She warned that Beijing aims to disrupt transatlantic cooperation and European unity through a divide-and-conquer approach.

Wong explained that China employs both coercive and inducement strategies, including "weaponizing supply chains" and attempting to gain support through corrupt investments and bribery.

She highlighted that China's influence spans various sectors, including diplomatic, governmental, and business realms, blending economic propaganda with information dissemination.

Wong cautioned that these efforts could undermine democracies, allowing China to execute numerous influence attempts while playing a waiting game. She described this as a threat not only to national security but also to the integrity of free and open societies.

Valbona Zeneli, a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, noted that Europe has shifted its stance on China. However, she cautioned that the European Union lacks unity, with its China policy resulting from complex negotiations among EU institutions and its 27 member states.

Zeneli characterized China’s strategy in Europe as aimed at acquiring advanced technologies, shaping global value chains, and establishing leverage in critical sectors. She emphasized that this pursuit goes beyond mere commercial interests, representing a quest for strategic advantage.

She concluded by stating that the balance of trade has shifted, with China accounting for over one-fifth of EU imports and Europe facing a trade deficit exceeding $400 billion, leading to strategic dependencies on Chinese resources.