Europe is often viewed as being heavily dependent on China for manufacturing, rare earth minerals, and global supply chains, but the reverse relationship receives far less attention. Despite Beijing’s long-term strategy of achieving technological self-reliance, the country continues to rely on European expertise and products across several high-value industries. The 15th Five-Year Plan places technological independence at the center of national industrial policy through 2030, yet many advanced technologies remain difficult to replace. Although these dependencies are gradually shrinking, they still provide Europe with a degree of strategic influence, even if many experts believe that leverage is limited because Europe remains heavily dependent on Chinese critical minerals.
Semiconductors remain one of the clearest examples of European technological leadership. Dutch company ASML dominates the market for advanced lithography machines used to manufacture cutting-edge computer chips for artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and other advanced electronics. Export restrictions have already limited access to the company’s most sophisticated equipment, although less advanced machines continue to be sold. Domestic manufacturers are expanding rapidly, and policymakers have established ambitious targets to reduce reliance on foreign equipment over the coming years. Nevertheless, European companies continue to earn significant revenue from equipment maintenance and servicing already installed in China, making any future export restrictions economically costly for both sides.
The aerospace sector demonstrates a similar pattern of interdependence. Although the COMAC C919 represents Beijing’s effort to compete with Boeing and Airbus, its production still relies on numerous European suppliers for engines, aircraft systems, and critical components. Developing a fully independent commercial aviation industry requires decades of engineering expertise, certification, and manufacturing experience. Europe could theoretically use aircraft certification or technology exports as bargaining tools, but doing so would also reduce business opportunities for European aerospace companies that benefit from the Chinese market. Competition between European and Chinese aircraft manufacturers is therefore becoming increasingly strategic while remaining economically interconnected.
European companies also maintain important advantages in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical technology. Europe continues to lead in pharmaceutical patents, vaccine development, and advanced medical equipment such as MRI systems. However, research investment has accelerated rapidly in China, allowing domestic companies to narrow the technological gap and expand their role in global drug development. European firms have established research partnerships and joint ventures to benefit from local investment and manufacturing capacity, although analysts argue that these arrangements often accelerate Chinese technological development more than they benefit European companies.
Additional dependencies remain in automotive semiconductors, robotics, and quantum computing. European manufacturers supply specialized automotive chips used by leading electric vehicle companies, while European engineering firms continue to provide key robotic components and industrial technologies. In quantum computing, several European countries have imposed stricter export controls, while others continue collaborative research with Chinese partners, creating an inconsistent policy environment. Experts argue that without a coordinated European strategy, China will continue acquiring advanced knowledge while steadily reducing its reliance on foreign technologies. Overall, although Beijing has made substantial progress toward technological independence, European companies still occupy critical positions in several advanced industries, even as that advantage gradually narrows.