Navigating EU-China Investment Dynamics: Safeguarding Technological Know-How while fostering Cooperation

China’s investment and acquisitions in the European Union have increased significantly in recent years, raising concerns about their impact on European economies and security. The dynamics of the EU-China relationship have evolved significantly over time, with the past year marked by a deterioration in bilateral relations. This deterioration has been linked to a growing number of issues, such as China’s responses to EU sanctions on human rights, economic coercion affecting the single market, and its stance on the Ukraine conflict. The EU faces the complex challenge of dealing with China as both a negotiationg partner, economic adversary and systemic competitor. This complexity characterises the current state of EU-China relations, where a variety of challenges and opportunities are emerging, driven by intertwined economic, political, and strategic factors.