The virtual EU-China summit on 22 June saw two very different narratives. While both sides agreed that it was a crucial relationship, EU leaders pointed to the frustration encountered by EU businesses in China and the failure to conclude the long-running negotiations on an investment agreement. They also complained about China’s human rights record and its actions in Hong Kong. Chinese leaders emphasised more the areas of cooperation – support for the multilateral system, climate change and regional security (Iran, Afghanistan, DPRK). There were no deliverables from the summit but both sides are now engaged in trying to agree an updated strategic partnership for the next five years.
The webinar will discuss what should be the priorities for EU-China relations now against the background of the worsening US-China relationship and the need for a concerted global effort to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.