Political and economic dimensions of the Sino-European relations at the present stage: The main trends and prospects

Abstract

The relations between China and the EU are one of the defining tracks  for the further  development of  the international  order. In  the last  few years, they are characterized by an increasing tension, since there are confrontational trends in the political interaction, along with the robust trade and economic development. In addition, the third parties have a decisive influence on the China-EU relations. The article attempts to determine the current state of the Sino-European relations,  as  well  as  to  consequently  make a forecast of  their further development. The methods of the retrospective and comparative analysis are used to systematically compare and evaluate the Sino-European relations in their development, and also to identify the patterns characterizing them. A   discourse analysis of the statements of the European and Chinese political figures is used as an auxiliary mechanism. The author highlights such tendencies as the degradation of the relations, primarily in the political sphere, the strengthening of economic interdependence, the development of the bilateral relations with the EU member states, rather than with the supranational bodies of the integration association. In addition, it is suggested that the influence of the various structural factors leads to a significant increase in the rivalry between China and the European Union. The author concludes that the Sino-European relations will be determined to a greater extent by their relationship with the third parties, and the current trends will continue to develop, increasing the degradation of the political interaction between Beijing and Brussels.