The EU-China relationship: 10 guiding principles to move forward in the 21st century

As the global geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the relationship between the European Union and China stands at a critical crossroads, shaped by both deep economic interdependence and systemic rivalries. No longer defined solely by trade or diplomacy, the future of this partnership lies at the intersection of supply chain resilience, green transition goals, technological standards and economic reciprocity.  

The current geopolitical environment is upending an international rules-based world order, creating unpredictability and instability. This context has also led to the emergence of multi-polarity, the usual ‘kings’ of power of the past 50 years are not necessarily those of the future. What are the opportunities for the EU and China to move past short-term friction and reassess the political priorities to consolidate a more stable, predictable rules-based system? 

This invitation-only roundtable, organised in partnership with the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the European Union, will offer a policy-focused discussion under Chatham House rules, designed to encourage frank exchange rather than set-piece interventions. Bringing together a balanced mix of senior European and Asian diplomatic, policy and cross-sector perspectives, the conversation will revolve around the newly released report authored by Jamie Shea, Senior Fellow for Peace, Security and Defence at Friends of Europe, who will be in attendance to discuss his ten guiding principles for the EU-China relationship in the 21st century. 

The debate will look to move past standard rhetoric and debate questions such as: 

• What does a predictable EU-China relationship look like for economic cooperation in an era dominated by AI governance, digital standards and heavy industrial subsidies? 

• How can an EU-China collaboration realistically manage issues of sovereignty, safe supply chains and their respective ambitions for green transition and climate goals? 

• What practical mechanisms are needed to prevent political miscalculations from freezing necessary bilateral dialogue that serves the interests of both sides? 

Related content:

• Insight | The EU-China relationship: 10 guiding principles to move forward in the 21st century
• Summit | Europe-China Forum 2025

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PHOTO CREDIT: Shutterstock| William Barton