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China–Europe relations: The limits of strategic partnership

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Abstract

The China–European Union (EU) relationship has grown rapidly over the past three decades with international trade being its mainstay. China and the EU also share a number of common strategic interests and positions. To maximize the potential of this relationship, both sides decided to build a comprehensive strategic partnership. However, serious differences remain between the two sides on questions of norms and values, delaying progress on a strategic framework. This article argues that while these differences constitute a serious obstacle to the realization of a genuine strategic partnership, the growing importance of trade and investment relations between China and the EU will cushion the impact of these differences, thus allowing each side more leverage over the other in dealing with complex bilateral and international issues.

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Notes

  1. This is a phrase that China has frequently used since 1978 to criticize the actions of foreign governments, organizations and individuals who have offended the Chinese government. According to a Chinese blogger who trawled through the People's Daily electronic archive covering the period 1949–2006, 19 countries and organizations have been accused by China of ‘hurting the feelings of the Chinese people’. France has been accused of this offence at least five times before, although Japan has the highest record at 47 times.

  2. China signed the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1998 but is yet to ratify it.

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  1. School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia

    Pradeep Taneja

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  1. Pradeep Taneja
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Taneja, P. China–Europe relations: The limits of strategic partnership. Int Polit 47, 371–387 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1057/ip.2010.14

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