Deadline for submission: 31 March 2021

Relations with China are of increased significance for the EU. The realisation of the Belt and Road Initiative has created both opportunities and challenges for Brussels in its effort to benefit by investments and liquidity but also achieve a level playing field in negotiations with Beijing. The launch of the EU-Asia Connectivity Strategy mirrors the European interest to maximise benefits and minimise risks. New uncertainties generated by policies of US President Donald Trump have also led the EU to employ a balanced approach. The purpose is to smoothly navigate between American security demands and Chinese technological attraction. The EU toolbox to secure 5G networks constitutes a remarkable example. Additionally, the ongoing pandemic is offering a new opportunity of revisiting Sino-European relations as the 2020 virtual EU-China Summit outlined. 

Read more.