The European Union’s (EU) relationship with China is rapidly changing. China is currently perceived in the EU and its constituent member states as a negotiating partner on select issues; a competitor in economic, technological and security terms; and, a systemic rival promoting alternative models of governance

To wit, there have been hawkish calls within influential EU circles to dramatically reimagine and reassess the EU’s relationship with China. This is typified by the European Commission (EC) President, Ursula von der Leyen, calling for a dramatic reassessment of EU and China relations on March 30, 2023. Moreover, this is a general sentiment that currently echoes throughout the national legislatures, policy bureaucracies and select industrial sectors in EU member states, inclusive of Germany and France – two of the most influential members.

At present, the end goal for the EU is to solidify and maintain a common position amongst member states towards China in the long-term. This is particularly pronounced when it comes to economic relations, technological cooperation, and managing potential security risks.