by Christian Rei P. Bautista

The Philippine Association for Chinese Studies held a webinar on “China-EU Relations: Shifting Relationship Status” last 16 October 2021 via Zoom. The online event discussed the history of the relationship between China and the European Union and how it has evolved over time.

Professor Wang Yiwei, a Jean Monnet Chair Professor, Director of Institute of International Affairs, and Director of Center for European Studies at Renmin University in China, shared his perspective on China-EU relations. Prof. Wang discussed the mutual learning between China and the EU and the significant development of their globalization dimensions. Moreover, he discussed the significance of China-EU ties for the Philippines and ASEAN.

Mr. Rafael de Bustamante Tello, Political Officer of the EU Delegation to the Philippines presented three characteristics that define China-EU relations: cooperation partner, economic competitor, and systemic rival.

The presentations were followed by a question and answer session in which participants made inquiries about the following: strategies of China and the EU in overcoming their disagreements about their respective fundamental values, the outlook of the EU on the future of US-China relations and its impact on international security, China’s sanctions on EU parliamentarians, AUKUS deal, economic outcomes between China and EU, China’s global agenda, FDA developments, Belt and Road Initiative, Dialogues between China and EU, and the future of China-EU relations in the next normal or post-pandemic setup.

Professor Enrico Gloria moderated the webinar, a recording of which is posted online for viewing on the PACS Facebook page. For information about upcoming webinars by PACS, please visit https://www.pacs.ph/ucpoming-events/.