Relations with the European Union and China: Opportunities and threats

In this study, European Union-China relations are examined from the perspective of interdependence theory. These two actors have increasingly diverse relationships covering economy, politics, culture, education, human rights and technology. The official start of European Union (EU)-China relations dates back to 1975. In 2003, EU-China relations became more comprehensive with the "Strategic Partnership Agreement". As China has the largest population in the world, it has attracted the attention of the EU as an important actor in the international system. Both the EU and China are keen to deepen their relations. The EU and China, which initially had an economic dialogue, later deepened their relations and began to establish a dialogue in the economic, political and social fields. Among their political and social relations, the dialogues that they attach importance to after the economy and which they see as problematic are human rights. Although there were crises between the parties at certain periods, their economic dependence prevented many drastic steps. The EU and China call themselves strategic partners, not strategic rivals. In order to examine their strategic partnerships, it is necessary to examine what kind of approach the parties take to the issues in the international system. In this study, an effective framework will be presented about the development of the relationship established by two actors with different constitutional systems and power structures. In this study, "What do the EU and China mean when they talk about strategic partnership?" "What are the opportunities and threats in EU-China relations?" "What are the problematic areas of EU-China relations?" "What kind of steps are being taken to solve the problems?" Answers to these questions were sought. This study provides a general perspective on EU-China relations in a broader context. In the essence of the study, it is mentioned that the EU and China, two structures with different constitutional systems and geographical distances, have developed their relations within the framework of economic interdependence. It seems that even if the EU wanted to take precautions against China, it could not, especially since economic opportunities could not create a unified voice among EU member states. As a result of the study, although the EU does not want to establish a politically close relationship with China from time to time, economic interdependence necessitates close cooperation between the two actors. It is concluded that the EU is turning to cooperation rather than competition with China due to its economic dependence on China.