China-Europe relations

Beijing’s effusive reception of French President Macron reveals the underpinnings of its Europe strategy.

Foreign Minister Qin Gang’s attempt to address a major European and U.S. concern came days before China’s defense minister heads to Moscow.

Insights from Marcin Kaczmarski.

China’s top diplomat toured Europe to try to explain Beijing’s “neutral” position on the conflict – but topped it off with a visit to Russia. 

There is little evidence that Beijing’s quasi-apology tour in Europe and other Western capitals will yield any significant concessions over Ukraine.

The recent visits to Beijing of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Council President Charles Michel reflected the ongoing attempt to calibrate Europe’s China policy.

Developments at the Party Congress suggest China’s relationship with Europe won’t get any easier. European capitals must be ready to respond.

A recent survey delves into Chinese perceptions of the U.S., Russia, Japan, Europe, Africa, and Singapore.

While China tried to emphasize the potential for general cooperation, EU leaders made clear that their “top priority” is to end the war in Ukraine.

China’s past diplomatic efforts provide precedents and options for a more involved role in peacemaking in Ukraine.

In the short term, the tangible support that China can provide to Russia is limited, but the strategic implications are more profound.

2021 was a rough year for China-Europe relations. 2022 looks set to be even worse.