In 2020, China replaced the United States as the EU’s most important trade partner. Commercial and trade relations with the People’s Republic have become more important than ever not only for the German, but also the European economy. However, in May 2021, the investment agreement between China and the EU has been put on hold after more than seven years of negotiation as a response to Chinese sanctions against several members of the European Parliament – preceded by disagreements over the oppression of the Uygur minority in China.

The People’s Republic of China is not only the most important commercial partner of the EU, but also an important partner when it comes to climate protection. At the same time, China is a rival on the global market and competes for influence in a future world order and its basic rules.

While public debates tend to focus on the differences in the relation between China and the EU, we would like to shed light on the global challenges both partners face and examine possible cooperative solutions. Which global problems are currently most prominent? Do they allow for the identification of common interests? Could it be possible to reach an aligned or even joint approach regarding these common interests, and if so, how? What effect would this kind of cooperation have on the relation between China and the EU? And finally: How and where will the European Union find its place in the future balance of powers between China, USA and the EU?