Club Commentary: Fifty years ago, China was still a predominantly agricultural developing country, while Europe stood at the peak of industrialization. Half a century later, China has drawn from—and in many ways surpassed—Europe’s modernization experience, achieving industrialization and moving rapidly into the frontiers of the digital economy and artificial intelligence. This has resulted in a uniquely Chinese path to modernization.
Di Dongsheng, Senior Fellow with Beijing Club for International Dialogue and Dean of the School of Regional and Global Studies at Renmin University of China, points out that China’s leap in the digital economy has triggered a new round of structural rebalancing in China–EU economic and trade relations. At the same time, it has weakened industrial complementarity and intensified competition. Going forward, bilateral trade will likely shift toward greater intra-industry coordination and institutional recalibration.
Di also notes that Europe continues to face challenges in achieving true strategic autonomy, with its China policy still heavily influenced by broader transatlantic dynamics. While both China and Europe aspire to build a more peaceful, open, and green global order, they remain constrained by geopolitical tensions and external pressures.
From the Nordic welfare model’s inspiration for addressing China’s current challenges of weak domestic demand, to the growing China–EU consensus on AI governance, multilateral cooperation, and climate action within the framework of a shared future for mankind, Di calls for a shift in China–EU relations beyond short-term tactical games. He advocates for a return to the original aspiration of peaceful cooperation, so that the relationship may play a constructive role in shaping a global order—serving as an axis of peace, foundation of openness, and source of sustainability.
This article is adapted from Di Dongsheng’s remarks at the “Re-Encounter: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of China–EU Relations”release event and seminar, and is published by Beijing Club with authorization.