A Solution for Tough Times? The sub-national dimension of the European Union’s relations with China in the context of growing Sino-American tensions

Abstract

Regional governments actively participate in international relations by opening trade and cultural missions abroad, joining international networks of cooperation and signing treaties and agreements with their partners from other countries. In cases of tension between nation states that might paralyze global governance, relations at the regional and local level may rise to prominence.

The main goal of the paper is to examine how the EU could benefit from growing sub-national connections with China in the context of pressure affecting the triangle of the United States, China and Europe. The authors suggest that, in the possible case of escalating conflict between Beijing and the West, such low-key channels of communication with China might be very useful for both the national governments of its Member States and for the EU.

The paper is structured as follows. Firstly, the phenomenon of fast-growing cooperation on the sub-national level between Europe and China is outlined. Secondly, the opportunities and limits of the instrumental use of paradiplomatic ties in EU-level foreign policy towards China are presented. Finally, in the case of Germany, the paper describes the benefits of the development of sub-national contacts in the bilateral relations of Member States with China.