Recent Articles

While some recent moves, from trade to coronavirus aid, may suggest Italy is moving closer to China, the reality is that the country's China policy continues to seesaw between assuagement of traditional Western allies and closer ties with China.

Spurring consumer spending now lies at the heart of efforts by Chinese policymakers to tackle economic challenges. But while liberating the desire for consumption at first seemed to be good news, the darker side of borrowing to spend, particularly for China's youth, is now becoming more apparent. 

The importance of the trade relationship with China has encouraged the view in Germany that economic dependencies limit its choices in areas like human rights and investment. But closer scrutiny suggests this might not be the case.

The COVID-19 crisis seems to have deepened the sense that a logic of divergence now prevails between China and Europe. Is a rebalance of the EU-China relationship possible? And if so, how? 

Like other powers, the UK will have to define a balance between economic and political considerations in its relationship with China. That balance, at present, seems some way off.

Public debate in EU member states can enhance national and EU policy-making on China, but analysis of the 2019 Dutch policy paper on China and the surrounding debate suggests lack of strategic thinking and resolve on the member-state level may undermine cohesion and policy effectiveness on the EU level.

The coronavirus crisis has demonstrated the necessity of global cooperation and functioning multilateralism. But as Europe seeks to redefine its approach to China, will the special relationship between China and Germany be an advantage or a liability?

Like Made in China 2025, Germany’s Industry 4.0  is a vision of economic transformation. Unlike the Chinese plan, however, Industry 4.0 was never top-down, and it has prioritized both broad societal participation and cross-European cooperation over visions of national dominance.

China’s grand plan for industrial restructuring caused concern in Europe following its announcement in 2015. Liang Shixin reviews the policy and its development, and notes signs to look for.