The developing geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century should see a rising East overtake the West in global leadership, and lack of clear, decisive, and effective China policy would place Europe on the losing side. But, is there any reason the EU cannot grow into the new order with renewed power?

The possibility of another Trump-style leader in the United States — perhaps even Donald Trump himself — has shaken Europe to its roots. Europe cannot replace American hegemony. Thus, its only course is to accelerate toward “strategic autonomy” to become less dependent on the U.S. security umbrella, which has been in place since World War II.

China’s connectivity project is being reconfigured across the old continent. Western and Eastern Europe are increasingly divided regarding the Belt and Road’s infrastructure projects and investments – yet, Europe as a whole is welcoming monetary connectivity with China and wider adoption of the renminbi.

China and Europe look forward to more stable relations. But transcending the European-style de-risking narrative will take some doing. As frictions arise, the strategic definitions and political wisdom of both sides will be tested.

China and Europe look forward to more stable relations. But transcending the European-style de-risking narrative will take some doing. As frictions arise, the strategic definitions and political wisdom of both sides will be tested.

The recent EU-China Summit marked a cautious step forward in their relationship, underlining a growing willingness to constructively engage. While substantive policy changes remain elusive, both sides acknowledged concerns and showed openness to dialogue, hinting at a potential path for future negotiations and trust-building.

The recent EU-China Summit marked a cautious step forward in their relationship, underlining a growing willingness to constructively engage. While substantive policy changes remain elusive, both sides acknowledged concerns and showed openness to dialogue, hinting at a potential path for future negotiations and trust-building.

A new framework is needed to accommodate their various interests as they deal with the ever-changing international situation and the challenges that crop up now and then. Relations have weathered storms over past decades mainly because the two sides share broad common interests.

The EU’s attempt to lead global infrastructure development has been costly, but still lags behind America and China’s investment programs. Europe needs to make significant changes to catch up to the world’s leading powers.

Recent high-level dialogue has set the stage for progress. Yet, the strategies employed by China and Europe show that a transformation of the international order is likely to be a prolonged process.