China feels Europe needs strategic vision and a unified voice to prosper

12 December 2007

China feels that Europe's lack of strategic vision hampers its credibility in world affairs, according to a recent Chatham House report. The EU will need to settle ongoing disputes over its reform treaty and present a united voice if it is to develop a strong negotiating position with China over the next 20 years.

China desires a unified European stance as part of its belief in a more multipolar world order in the future. Current EU-China negotiations over trade and the Euro-Yuan exchange rate have shown the deficiencies of the present arrangements. Given that these issues are now central to the future of the global economy, a more coherent European external negotiating structure would be necessary if such talks are to be successful.

The EU is China's principal trading and economic partner. However many in China believe this will only continue to be the case if Europe becomes more united - economically through further development of the euro as a global currency, and politically through a common foreign and defence strategy. The UK's role will be vital in achieving this.

At present China is pessimistic over Europe's ability to rise to such challenges. Europeans are seen as lacking ambition, especially in the fields of science and technology where the Chinese are keen to develop closer ties. For example, Europe is considered too hostile toward genetic engineering and too cautious in space research.

Despite such concerns, China regards itself and Europe as the two 'core civilizations' of the world. China is confident that its period of weakness is over and that it is destined to be the leading power in Asia.

Similarly China believes that Europe could eventually regain a strong position in the West if it became more cohesive and dynamic. In this respect China is more optimistic about Europe's prospects than many other outside observers - such as some in the US in recent years. These perceptions could become of growing importance in world affairs as China's rise continues.

Click here to read Contemporary Chinese Views of Europe.

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Sean Armstrong
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