China-EU Cooperation Research

Author: Guo Guanyu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: Dr. Guo Guanyu proposes a theoretical hypothesis that successful promotion of international cooperation typically requires three driving forces and six conditions. By reviewing the history of China's cooperation with the European Community (EC) and the European Union (EU) and analyzing the current state of China-EU cooperation, the author specifically examines the driving forces behind China-EU cooperation after the Cold War from four aspects—economic, political, security, and ideological—and identifies six conditions for relatively smooth cooperation between the two sides: (1) There are no fundamental conflicts of interest between China and the EU; (2) Both China and the EU recognize the objectively existing common and complementary interests between them; (3) China and the EU have achieved mutual benefit and reciprocity in cooperation; (4) The EU's independence and autonomy have greatly strengthened since the Cold War; (5) The policy coordination process between China and the EU is relatively smooth, and cooperation mechanisms have gradually improved; (6) Both China and the EU adopt relatively rational attitudes and approaches in addressing disagreements and disputes that arise in cooperation. On the other hand, the author also offers insights on the factors currently hindering China-EU cooperation and how to eliminate these obstacles and deepen cooperation.