Internal and external factors affecting China–EU relations

In recent years, the relations between China and Europe have been facing many challenges. The EU’s new perception of China, US–China rivalry, frictions between some Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC), and the Ukraine crisis have contributed to the transformation of the China–European relations. Many European countries have adopted a “diversified” approach to China, regarding China as partner, competitor and systemic rival. The establishment of the China–CEEC cooperation mechanism has become a conflict point in China–EU relations. One significant feature of China–EU relations in the future is likely to be that, as bilateral relations become increasingly important, its complexity will also become more prominent. Both China and the EU need to adapt to changes and explore new paradigms with respect to their relationship. © 2022, The Institute of International and Strategic Studies (IISS), Peking University.