EU Relations with China: A History of Misunderstandings

The European Union (EU) and China seem to be drifting apart. Trade tensions, diplomatic clashes over human rights, and loud disagreements over Beijing’s ambiguous support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine all point to a worsening in relations between the two. Yet, as proven by the many and frequent visits of European leaders to Beijing, the EU and China are tightly bound together by strong historical, economic, and strategic ties. What, then, should we make of it? Which lens(es) are the most apt to improve our understanding of EU-China relations in theory, policy, and practice? Reuben Wong, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the Political Science Department at the National University of Singapore, shared his questions and answers in a seminar organised by Prof. Karen E. Smith at the LSE on 11 June 2024.

Wong’s research illustrates how the relationship between the EU and China is a multifaceted one, deeply rooted in historical interactions as much as influenced by contemporary global politics. It is this very complexity that has been the cause of many misunderstandings that have repeatedly, and never coherently, shaped foreign policies on both sides. Scholars thus are challenged to understand how historical interactions, economic ties, strategic considerations, and ideological differences all weave a complex tapestry of relations.

The seminar discussed how untangling these perspectives unveils their impact on contemporary interactions, which continues to shape the diplomatic landscape. Historically, China and the EU have viewed each other and themselves through diverse and often conflicting lenses. In particular, China’s memories of colonial and imperial subjugation and its awareness of its historical grandeur as a distinct civilisation from the West, contrast sharply with European constructions of self as a standard of ‘civilisation’ (Gong, 1984; Suzuki, 2009). This historical clash has translated into present differences in ideologies, as exemplified in the case of human rights diplomacy. Indeed, the EU’s self-perception as a normative power is built on the belief that it can influence global standards and norms through a principled foreign policy. This characterisation creates persistent tensions in EU-China relations, not only because the EU’s approach is often viewed as hypocritical on the Chinese side, but also because China lacks a normative identity and rather frames its approach to human rights around sovereignty and non-interference.

Despite these ideological differences, the EU and China are undeniably bound together by tight relations of economic interdependence. However, China’s economic clout is not confined to the economic sphere but translates into significant geopolitical influence. The shift in the traditional balance of power prompted by China’s rise and its strategic partnerships – such as its “no-limits partnership” with Russia – challenges the EU’s reliance on its economic and normative influence rather than military might. Thus, the Union is compelled to revise its strategy whilst promoting and protecting its economic interests and us, as analysts, are challenged to reassess the utility of concepts such as ‘Normative Power Europe’ (Manners, 2002) in the face of current EU-China security relations.

Wong’s overview and categorisation of these four main perspectives allows for a nuanced analysis of how and why the EU and China, in practice, are currently struggling to navigate a delicate balance in their relations. The seminar, however, also contained a call to develop more holistic approaches that acknowledge historical legacies, the power of identity, economic interdependencies, and strategic realities in order to better analyse and understand the evolving dynamics between Beijing and Brussels. Considering the multifaceted nature of both actors and recognising that the ties between the two cannot be understood through a single lens should be at the core of future research. Such a comprehensive perspective has the potential not only to enrich our academic understanding but also to provide valuable insights for policymakers navigating the turbulent waters of EU-China relations.