Understanding the EU–China relations: evolution, institutional framework and the key areas of cooperation

Abstract

This article examines the development of EU–China relations through the institutionalization of three key areas of cooperation: political dialogue, economic interaction, and cultural exchanges. The analysis traces the emergence of structured political dialogue beginning in the late 1990s to mid-2010s, when the European Commission introduced policy frameworks aimed at strengthening cooperation with China. In the economic sphere, the study highlights the rapid expansion of trade and investment relations between the EU and China, demonstrating how economic interdependence has become one of the defining characteristics of bilateral relations despite periodic tensions regarding market access, regulatory standards, and trade imbalances. In addition to political and economic cooperation, the article emphasizes the growing importance of cultural and educational exchanges.