This paper highlights the strategic importance of integrating subnational governments into the European Union’s de-risking policy towards China, focusing on their unique contributions to mitigating dependencies and enhancing resilience. While the EU has shifted from a decoupling strategy to de-risking—emphasising diversification and safeguarding critical sectors—the role of subnational entities such as cities and regions remains underutilised. The paper demonstrates how subnational governments can be instrumental in diversifying partnerships across Asia, advancing the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, and contributing to industrial policy, all within the de-risking framework.
The article is available on the Asia Europe Journal website at the following link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10308-025-00746-z
