Abstract
During 2005, the European Union and China marked 30 years of diplomatic relations with much fanfare. Celebrations surrounding the anniversary however belied the fact that throughout most of this period the European Union and China remained largely aloof from one another. The strengthening of EU foreign policy over time, as well as the economic reforms and new outward orientation exhibited by China have changed the dynamics of the relationship. Both sides are increasingly recognizing the potential mutual benefits that can be accrued from a closer relationship. This paper assesses EU-China relations from both economic and political perspectives. In terms of economics, it is clear that the EU must build stronger relations with China if it is to accrue the benefits of access to an expanding market with over one billion people. To do so successfully however, the EU will have to reconcile the economic and political components of its foreign policy. The EU continues to challenge the Chinese government to reform its practices on a number of issues including human rights, democratic reform, and Tibet, all of which remain bones of contention. How the EU achieves the balance between political constraints and economic opportunities is the primary focus of this paper.
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Notes
He is also, by virtue of his position, a member of the so-called “Troika” along with the current and future EU Presidents.
Although the European Economic Community was founded by the Treaty of Rome (1957), the European Union was not officially created until the Treaty on European Union 1993.
Since 1995 all association, cooperation and partnership agreements contain a clause stipulating that human rights are an essential part of the agreement.
All of these Commission reports related to China can be found at the following web site: http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/china/intro/doc.htm
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Glen, C.M., Murgo, R.C. EU-China relations: balancing political challenges with economic opportunities. AEJ 5, 331–344 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10308-007-0121-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10308-007-0121-7