Geopolitical Europe Pulse: Europe-China relations

Friday, 12 April 2024

Ahead of German Chancellor Scholz' visit to Beijing, which will also be followed by a visit of China's President Xi in France in a few weeks, this week’s Geopolitical Europe Pulse focuses on Europe-China relations, and China more broadly.

1) The study "EU-China relations: de-risking or de-coupling" for the European Parliament provides an in-depth assessment of bilateral relations and the EU's approaches towards China.

2) European China policy will be a major topic for the next Commission - and the EU elections will matter for its priorities. Noah Barkin explains for the German Marshall Fund of the United States what's at stake in the elections for European China policy.

3) In German: "Ende der China-Illusion" by Janka Oertel, published in summer 2023. It is undoubtedly the best book on German and European China policy that I have recently read because it brings together the strengths of both two world that often remain apart: political science (lots of data, excellent empirical analysis) and policy (concrete recommendations and political comment). A comment in English, which includes the link to the book as well, can be found here.

4) Sinica Podcast episode with Kerry Brown from Lau China Institute, King's College London, on his book "China Incorporated: The Politics of a World Where China is Number One", in which he critically dissects Western narratives on China. It's certainly one of the best comments I have recently listened to on this topic, and it can be found here.

5) Last but not least, the Drum Tower podcast by The Economist is always excellent (subscription required). This episode takes you to the sounds of old Beijing.

Enjoy reading and listening!

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