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After decades of intense trade cooperation with China, the EU is currently reassessing its China policy. What started as a mutually beneficial economic cooperation over three decades ago, by 2003 has grown into a strategic partnership. Yet, in 2019 the EU labeled China a systemic rival promoting alternative models of governance. A year later, in December 2020, the two sides concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). Then, in March 2021, Beijing imposed sanctions on several EU politicians and entities, including Members of the European Parliament whose support is vital for the future of CAI, in retaliation for Brussels' sanctions on four of its officials for China's treatment of the Uyghurs living in Xinjiang. Much uncertainty remains in EU-China relations, which makes a better understanding of the current dynamics vital. This paper argues that a sustainable China policy must be rooted in a clear-headed strategic vision in Europe, driven by internal unity and ambition, and owned by EU member states. The paper first sheds light on the factors leading to the current state of affairs in EU-China ties, and second, it explores the role the EU can play in the US-China rivalry. The paper maintains that transatlantic relations should be strengthened within an alliance of like-minded democracies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article claims that--notwithstanding limitations--in environmental cooperation with China Europe has been effective in projecting international norms that China has shown interest in embracing. On the one hand, European normative power effectiveness is due to its power of example in global environmental issues and Beijing's acknowledgement of Europe's leading global role in this area. On the other hand, it is a result of Beijing's recognition of the urgency of the issue domestically, indispensable to secure further economic growth and global influence. This suggests the relevance of the power of domestic interest to Beijing's approach towards international cooperation with international standards as pursued by Europe. Persisting limitations to Europe's effectiveness, however, include the normative divergence burdening relations with China, and its fragmented governance system. In addition, the economic, political and social problems Europe isfacingfollowing the 2008 financial crisis have challenged its global standing, constraining its normative ambitions concerning China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]