Virtual Roundtable “EU-China relations: what’s next?”

What are the initial lessons learned for the EU from the coronavirus pandemic in dealing with China?

Online

Guests

Janka Oertel, Director, ECFR Asia Programme

Michele Geraci, Economist and former Economy Undersecretary

Filippo Fasulo, Director of the Italy-China research centre

Mauro Petriccione, Director-General DG Climate Action and ECFR Council Member

Chaired by

Alessandro Speciale, Head, Bloomber Rome Bureau

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended life as we know it. While affecting business and politics within Europe, it has also brings about a new set of questions with regard to our relationship with China. In this spiral of current events and increasing international mistrust, the Chinese leadership is trying very hard to shift the international narrative in its favor. The broader question of the future of EU-China relations predates the coronavirus crisis and has not disappeared, but becomes more urgent and existing fault lines become even more pronounced. How can Europe pro-actively shape the relationship in accordance with its own interests and values, and strengthen its position vis-à-vis China? What are the initial lessons learned for the EU from the coronavirus pandemic in dealing with China? How to tackle the discussion on 5G in the current public debate and international relations current status?