EU-China Relations: from Engagement to Marriage? College of Europe EU Diplomacy Paper 7/2008, November 2008

This paper studies the relations between the European Union (EU) and China in order to answer the question whether their relationship is moving “from engagement to marriage.” It is divided into three parts: in the first part, the review of bilateral EU-China relations from 1975 until today shows that the partnership has been noticeably institutionalized both economically and politically thanks to the efforts of both sides. The second part analyses the common ground and problems between the two partners by examining their cooperation at the international level and the major bilateral issues of concern. In spite of differences in economic, social and political developments, the two sides tend to emphasize their shared interests in economic and trade relations as well as in maintaining international peace and security. The third part addresses the on-going negotiations between the EU and China on a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). The completion of the PCA will mark the further institutionalization of EU-China relations and serve as a “marriage contract” to guide the partnership’s future development