China-CEE Relations: Dividing Line or Business as Usual?

The European Institute for Asian Studies is organizing a Briefing Seminar: "China-CEE Relations: Dividing Line or Business as Usual?", which is taking place on Thursday 23 January 2014, from 14:30 to 16:30, at the European Institute for Asian Studies, Rue de la Loi 67, B-1040 Brussels. PN member Glyn Ford will share his views on the issue during the panel discussion.

Relations between China and 16 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries have been developing rapidly in recent years, with the emergence of the new 16+1 platform, the establishment of annual summits and further specialised forums, and promises for an upsurge in investment and trade. The summit of this platform, which was held in Bucharest in November 2013, only days after the annual EU-China summit in Beijing, has attempted to move this new cooperation forward. While the framework of relations between these countries and China is still 'work in progress', it has attracted increasing attention in Brussels for supposedly affecting the united stance of the EU. In fact, there are voices talking about the new dividing line in Europe and China’s ‘divide and rule’ strategy. 

China, however, assures the EU that it has neither intentions nor the capacity to introduce division lines between the member countries. CEE countries, by being open towards more robust economic cooperation with China and attract Chinese investments, mostly do not intend to weaken the EU. Yet, some in Western Europe see this development as an institutionalised sub-regional framework within the EU, which is against EU rules and good practice.

Programme

14:00-14:30
Registration

14:30-14:40   
Introduction by the Chair: Mr. David Fouquet, Senior Associate, European Institute for Asian Studies

14:40-15:10 
Keynote Address: Mr. Richard Turcsányi, Visiting Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies

15:10-15:40
Panel discussion:

• Mr. Victor Boştinaru, Vice Chair, Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China, European Parliament
• Mr. Glyn Ford, Board Member, European Institute for Asian Studies

15:40-16:30    
Q&A

For more information and to register, pleasevisit the homepage of the European Institute for Asian Studies. 

Photo by gu3ver.