Relations between the European Union and the People's Republic of China in 2024 – Summary [Report]

Zdjęcie: Rok obaw i nadziei. Co czeka Europę w 2023 (17)

The year 2024 was characterised by further deepening the complexity and dynamics of the EU-China relationship. The evolution of China's perception of the economical threat to selected industries continues, which is best seen in the context of the tariffs on electrical cars from China (although not all EU countries were in favour of this idea). In 2024, the EU, under the leadership of the Ursula von der Leyen Commission, continued its "de-risking" policy to reduce strategical dependence on China while avoiding full "decoupling". The Union’s efforts to defend its own marketplace and to counter practices which it considers unfair, specified as state subsidies to Chinese companies in different sectors, from photovoltaics and wind turbines to steel and electrical cars, are seen to be intensified.

At the same time, 2024 shows how China makes good usage of interior differences and conflicts within the EU. Through many diplomatic meetings and talks, China is trying to balance the coherence of EU abroad policy. An crucial gathering was the visit of KPCh president Xi Jinping to France, Serbia and Hungary. It is besides worth noting the visits of European officials to China. We besides had visits by abroad Minister Wang Yi to Europe. On visits and talks between the 2 representatives of the PRC, I invitation you to our another analysis – abroad visits by Xi Jinping and Wang Yi – https://ine.org.pl/foreign-visits-xi-jinpinga-i-wang-yi-mapa/

The complexity of the relation besides exacerbates Chinese “pro-Russian neutrality” in the context of war

in Ukraine, as pointed out by more and more EU countries. This is simply a key topic, especially for the east states of the NATO flank, and it was breaking through during meetings or debates.

The analysis study reviewed selected events period after month

in 2024, which allows to capture increasing tensions, prospects and strategical actions taken by both sides. We hope that our work will bring the prospects of both countries closer to each other.

I want you a good reading and invitation you to cooperate.

Łukasz Kobierski

President of the Management Board of the Institute of fresh Europe