From rivals to partners, China and Europe are retooling ties, adviser says

According to former Chinese ambassador to Germany Wu Ken, the geopolitical dynamic between China and Europe is undergoing a significant recalibration, moving away from a framework of rivalry and toward one focused on pragmatic cooperation. Speaking on the sidelines of China's annual 'Two Sessions' political meetings, Wu highlighted that a succession of European leaders—including Spain's King Felipe, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz—have recently visited Beijing with the specific aim of strengthening bilateral relations and finding ways to benefit from China's continued development. This diplomatic surge signals a European pivot to engage more directly with China, partly in response to the United States' disruptive foreign policy moves, such as tariff threats and a push to acquire Greenland, which have strained transatlantic ties.

Wu's analysis suggests that China's perceived economic stability and growing international influence are key factors rebalancing the relationship, encouraging European nations to prioritize cooperation over competition. Since 2019, the EU's official stance has been a complex 'tripartite' strategy, viewing China simultaneously as a cooperation partner, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival. The current wave of diplomacy indicates a practical shift in emphasis toward the partnership aspect, as European leaders seek to secure economic and strategic advantages in a fragmented global order. This evolving partnership could reshape supply chains, technology standards, and the broader geopolitical balance of power, presenting both opportunities and new complexities for international business and diplomacy.