On Wednesday 29 April, 21 research institutes belonging to the European Think-tank Network on China (ETNC) published a report on the impact of Covid-19 on Europe-China relations.
Beijing's role in this crisis has placed the country at the heart of the debate in Europe. The turning point in Europe-China relations during the crisis “will certainly have a structuring effect on the future of Europe-China relations”. 2020 was already supposed to be a defining year for relations, including the capacity to conclude the bilateral investment agreement, 5G licensing rules, etc.
The report says that Beijing's actions towards Europe during this crisis seem to have amplified the fractures within some countries and across the European continent.
At the same time, Chinese diplomats have become more proactive in the European Union. This new diplomacy uses a variety of methods: from discretion (Latvia and Romania) to charm offensive (Poland, Portugal, Italy and Spain) and aggressive provocation (Sweden, Germany and France).
The health crisis has exacerbated aspects of relations, but might accelerate the rebalancing of Europe-China relations.
Eventually, China might also prove to be a “catalyst” for the emergence of the long-awaited “geopolitical Europe”. China has prompted joint European initiatives (investment screening, 5G and industrial policies) and stimulated strategic thinking in a number of capitals.
To read the report, go to: https://bit.ly/3cZIdTG (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)