The Politics of EU-China Economic Relations
An Uneasy Partnership

Authors: John Farnell, Paul Irwin Crookes



This book examines the political factors in the economic relationship between the European Union and China that help to explain the apparent stalling of the EU-China strategic partnership in policy terms. Written by two specialists with long experience of EU-China relations, this new volume draws on the latest research on how each side has emerged from the economic crisis and argues that promising potential for EU-China cooperation is being repeatedly undermined by political obstacles on both sides. The work is designed to be an analysis useful for university faculty and students interested in China and the European Union as well as for the general reader, providing an empirically-led examination that is academically informed and yet also approachable. Dissecting key policy areas such as trade, research and innovation, investment, and monetary affairs, the conclusion offers a compelling prognosis of how the EU-China relationship might develop over the coming years.

Table of contents

Front Matter
Pages i-xxi

EU–China Relations in a Global Context
Front Matter
Pages 1-1
A New Economic Relationship in a Changing World
Pages 3-15
The EU’s Growing Links with China’s Reforming Economy
Pages 17-39
The EU and China in the Governance of Global Financial and Trading Systems
Pages 41-66

Opportunities and Risks in the EU–China Relationship
Front Matter
Pages 67-67
Trade
Pages 69-94
Investment
Pages 95-120
Innovation and Research
Pages 121-148
Monetary Affairs
Pages 149-170
Cooperation on Common Economic Challenges
Pages 171-195

The Importance of EU–China Economic Relations in the Coming Decade
Front Matter
Pages 197-197
The Elephant in the Room: The Role of the USA in EU–China Relations
Pages 199-215
Conclusion: Optimism or Pessimism about the future of EU–China Economic Relations?
Pages 217-232

Back Matter
Pages 233-244