A new type of engagement between China and Europe amidst the COVID pandemic

ABSTRACT

The impact of the pandemic on the international economic and normative order has accelerated power struggles between the East and the West. Especially, the intensification of conflicts between China and Europe in terms of values may even affect the existing cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, and multilateralism. Despite divergences between China and Europe, including queries over the so-called mask diplomacy and cultural discrimination, as well as pressures from the US, some in Europe hope to strengthen engagement with China and keep the door open for cooperation and dialogue, thereby committing to the fundamentals of win-win cooperation. Cooperation is the backbone of a new type of engagement between China and Europe, which should not be affected by some occasional discord. Based on this new type of engagement, China and Europe build mutual trust, strengthen communication and coordination on global issues in a positive and pragmatic manner. © 2022 The Chinese Economic Association–UK.