China’s New Document on the EU: A Small Chance to Improve Relations
China’s New Document on the EU: A Small Chance to Improve Relations

Author(s): Justyna Szczudlik
Subject(s): Governance, Economic policy, International relations/trade
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: People’s Republic of China; European Union; EU-China cooperation; improving relations; economic cooperation;
Summary/Abstract: In mid-December 2018, China released its third document on the EU. The timing of its publication and willingness to deepen cooperation show that China wants to improve relations with the EU in the midst of the disputes with the U.S., which have had a negative impact on China’s economy and international image. Chinese authorities hope that the EU will not use Trump’s methods, despite sharing some of his concerns. China instead expects the EU to continue its policy of engagement. However, the content of the document, essentially a long list of EU obligations and a wide catalogue of cooperation areas (e.g., 5G, high-tech) without reference to the EU’s concerns, makes its usefulness questionable.

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