Denmark: enhanced vigilance in countering potential dependencies on China

In its annual report, the European Think-tank Network on China (ETNC) examines how dependencies on China are presented in European public and policy-level debates. Through eighteen case studies, it seeks to illuminate if and how this notion shapes policy in each country. DIIS researcher Andreas Bøje Forsby has contributed to the report by writing the chapter on Denmark’s relationship with China, focusing specifically on the dependency issue as viewed from Copenhagen.

The risks and vulnerabilities of relying too heavily on Beijing have for several years figured prominently in the Danish policy debate on China, contributing to the significant deterioration of Danish-Chinese relations witnessed since 2018. Initially sparked by media revelations of self-censorship during Chinese high-level visits to Denmark, the dependency debate has subsequently revolved around security-related questions pertaining to Chinese investments in Greenland and Huawei’s position in Denmark’s critical digital infrastructure. As a result, the Danish government has introduced several legislative measures to reduce potential risks and vulnerabilities. While the policy debate has also addressed China’s centrality to Danish companies, global supply chains, and the climate change challenge, an overall assessment suggests that the scale and scope of Denmark’s dependence on China is, in a comparative sense, quite limited.