For decades, the European Union and China have eyed each other from a distance. Both economic giants in their own right, they saw huge benefit in co-operating with each other, blending their different economic strengths in what appeared to be a win-win situation. 

More recently, however, China has been acting in increasingly threatening ways; and it is becoming ever clearer that the EU needs a coherent strategy for relations with Beijing. In the words of the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell: 'We only have a chance if we deal with China with collective discipline'

In this episode, Will Murray speaks to Ardi Bouwers – a Sinologist and Director of the consultancy, China Circle, specialising in intercultural communication and media. They discuss:

• the EU-China relationship and differences in values;
• how the Chinese Communist Leadership perceives Europe;
• bilateral relations between China and EU member-states;
• why a collective EU strategy on China could benefit Europe; and
• in which areas a positive agenda with China can be constructed.

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