Towards a common European policy on China? Economic, diplomatic and human rights trends since 1985

Abstract

This article argues against the received view of European Union-China relations as hostage to historical rivalries and competing national interests between EU member states. It analyzes the trends in the EU's economic, political and human rights policies towards China since the 1985 European Community-China Trade and Cooperation Agreement was signed. By focusing on the interactions between three major member states with significant interests in China-Germany, France and the UK-and the Europeanization pressures which undercut national leaders' powers, and shape their preferences and options, it argues that there has in fact been significant convergence in the policies of the major EU states and the European Commission towards China. © 2009 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.