EU and China getting closer

The European Union and China have been coming vigorously closer in recent years. Remember the "strategic partnership" agreement between the EU and China three years ago.

Brussels feels the need to draw together the benchmarks of its policy on China into a coherent whole that responds to the rapidly changing Chinese reality and its impact on the world. Because EU and China are beginning the negotiation of a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which will provide the legal framework for their relationship and will replace their original Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed in 1985. It’s then no more simply trading.

The European Commission has issued two documents that attempt to define the EU's relationship with China and set out the foundations on which policy toward China will be conducted. The first document dealing with the overall relationship with China, while the second covering trade and investment, are certainly not encumbered with much detail, but they nevertheless indicate the thinking that will inform the direction of policy adopted in Brussels

The direction that the EU would like to see its relationship with China move in is indicated by the title of the overview of the relationship: "EU-China: Closer Partners, Growing Responsibilities".

The basic premise is that the two sides should move toward a closer partnership to deal with the growing number of problems that place an increasing weight of responsibility on both Europe and China.

However, the message for China is that it must accept an increasing burden of responsibility as an international actor commensurate with its growing stature.

Of course, no matter how much China and the EU may wish to construct a partnership, there will be conflicts in their relationship, on everything from trade issues to the EU embargo on arms sales to China. But in the assessment of the EC, these differences are being managed effectively within relations that are increasingly "mature and realistic".

More over, the EU should continue to support China's internal political and economic reform process, "for a strong and stable China which fully respects fundamental rights and freedoms, protects minorities and guarantees the rule of law".

One of the key proposed elements of the policy is support for China's transition toward a more open and plural society. Noting that China's leadership has repeatedly stated its support for reform, including basic rights and freedoms, the EC admits that progress has been limited. Therefore, the EU must consider how it can most effectively assist China's reform process, essential to continued economic growth. According to the EC, democracy, human rights and the promotion of common values are fundamental tenets of EU policy and of central importance to bilateral relations.

Another major area of concern is sustainable development, which is increasingly becoming the focus of policy attention in Europe. China will be central to ensuring that global development is sustainable. The EC identifies several areas that are of concern in relation to China - ensuring secure and sustainable energy supplies, combating climate change and improving the environment - and proposes seeking joint solutions.