Political values have long informed the ways in which many European states and the EU itself approach China. But the way in which these values – in particular democracy, human rights and the rule of law – have been promoted, and even at times defined, differs greatly across the continent and has shifted over time. For many across Europe, hopes that that a deepening “constructive engagement” with China would ultimately lead to political reform and liberalization within the Chinese political system have been dashed by Beijing’s recent authoritarian turn. As China’s influence continues to grow across the globe, some have even looked to China for inspiration or support in their own shifts toward more authoritarian rule. Europe is not immune to these changes. Within this context, the members of the European Think-tank Network on China (ETNC) have assembled analysis from China experts in 17 European countries in a major new report analyzing the role that political values play in Europe-China relations today. This event will present and discuss the findings of this report for the first time to the public.

 

Programme

16:00 Opening remarks (Thomas Renard, Egmont)

16:05 The European Think-tank Network on China and its approach to study Europe-China relations

16:15 Political values in Europe-China relations: Comparing the approaches of European states ( Tim Rühlig, UI; Frans-Paul van der Putten, Clingendael; and John Seaman, IFRI)

16:45 Insights from the case of Germany (Lucrezia Poggetti, MERICS)

16: 50 Insights from the case of Belgium (Bruno Hellendorff, Egmont)

16:55 Last man standing? The EU’s commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law in its relations with China (Tim Rühlig, UI)

17:05 Q&A

Moderator: Thomas Renard (Egmont)

17:45 End of event

 

 

(Photo credit:  Shuttershock)