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

As the international system becomes increasingly unpredictable, unstable and multipolar, the relationship between the European Union and China remains one of the most consequential – and most challenging – of the 21st century.

Our new report, The EU-China Relationship: 10 Guiding Principles to Move Forward in the 21st Century, examines how Brussels and Beijing can find the right balance between competition, constraint and cooperation while pursuing a stable and predictable relationship that serves the interests of both sides.

The report argues that despite ongoing tensions over trade, security, human rights and geopolitical developments, the EU and China share a responsibility to work together on global challenges ranging from climate change and international security to economic stability and the preservation of the rules-based international order.

To help place the relationship on a steadier and more consistent course, the report sets out ten guiding principles focused on diplomacy and dialogue, economic reciprocity, security, crisis management and people-to-people exchanges.

Read the full report here.