地缘政治竞争时代的中欧互联互通（英）-欧洲智库-2021.3-64页_606kb

China-EU Connectivity in an Era of Geopolitical Competition

Core Content

This SIPRI Policy Paper No. 59 explores the evolving relationship between China and the European Union (EU) in the context of increasing geopolitical competition. It focuses on the implications of connectivity initiatives in the transport and digital sectors, highlighting how these projects reflect both cooperation and competition between the two global powers. The paper emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of connectivity and the importance of adapting policies to new realities.

Main Views

• China-EU Relationship: The relationship has shifted from a largely cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership to one marked by systemic rivalry and diverging interests.
• Connectivity as a Concept: Connectivity is a broad term that encompasses both physical and non-physical linkages, and is used as a tool to enhance trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
• China's Approach: China views connectivity as a win-win model, exemplified by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has become a major foreign policy and economic initiative.
• EU's Approach: The EU emphasizes sustainable, rules-based connectivity, aligning with its values of democracy, good governance, and human rights. It has also developed its own connectivity framework through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the Connecting Europe and Asia strategy.
• Geopolitical Competition: The U.S. factor and transatlantic ties have influenced the China-EU relationship, creating new dynamics and policy challenges.
• Challenges and Divergences: Despite shared interests, there are significant areas of divergence, particularly in the digital sector, where security concerns and regulatory differences have complicated cooperation.

Key Information

• Connectivity Projects: China and the EU have invested in transport and digital infrastructure, but the scope and implementation of these projects have become more contested.
• Transportation Connectivity: The EU has a long-term vision for the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), aiming to deliver a core network by 2030 and a comprehensive one by 2050. China's investments in multimodal transport linkages have been seen as beneficial, but they are now subject to more scrutiny due to political tensions.
• Digital Connectivity: The EU has developed frameworks such as the Digital4Development initiative to address digital security risks, while China's digital initiatives have raised concerns about security and data governance. Both sides are seeking to establish common criteria for secure digital networks.
• Policy Implications: The paper recommends focusing on agreed connectivity projects, developing common standards for security, and increasing investment in knowledge about each other to support future cooperation.
• Future Cooperation: The authors suggest exploring areas such as green financing, energy, and climate change as more promising fields for collaboration.

Structure of the Document

1. Introduction

• The China-EU relationship has evolved from a relatively peripheral issue to a central one due to the rise of geopolitical competition.
• The paper discusses how connectivity has become a key lens through which to understand the evolving dynamics between China and the EU.

2. The Evolving Approach to Connectivity

• Connectivity is a flexible concept with varying definitions and applications.
• The BRI and other initiatives have sparked debates about the nature of connectivity and its implications.
• The EU has taken a more critical stance towards China's connectivity projects, especially in light of its own strategic goals and values.

3. The Evolving China-EU Relationship

• The EU is concerned with China's lack of adherence to free trade, transparency, and market access reciprocity.
• China sees the EU as a crucial market and a source of technology and standards.
• Shared interests and areas of divergence are outlined, with a focus on the impact of U.S. policy on the China-EU relationship.

4. Transportation Connectivity

• The EU has a comprehensive transport infrastructure plan, including the TEN-T.
• China's investments in transport linkages have been seen as beneficial but are now under closer scrutiny.
• Security concerns are becoming more prominent in the transport sector.

5. Digital Connectivity

• The EU has developed a framework for digital security, including the Digital4Development initiative.
• China's digital initiatives have raised security concerns, particularly regarding data governance and cybersecurity.
• The paper calls for a joint framework to assess the security of digital networks.

6. Conclusions and Recommendations

• The China-EU partnership remains viable and necessary, despite growing tensions.
• The paper recommends a focus on agreed projects, common security standards, and increased investment in mutual understanding.
• It also suggests exploring less contentious areas of cooperation, such as green financing and climate change.

Abbreviations

• BRI: Belt and Road Initiative
• CEF: Connecting Europe Facility
• TEN-T: Trans-European Transport Network
• CAI: Comprehensive Agreement on Investment
• ENISA: European Union Agency for Cybersecurity
• FDI: Foreign Direct Investment
• G20: Group of Twenty
• ASEM: Asia-Europe Meeting
• 17+1: Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries
• 4G/5G: Fourth and Fifth Generation (digital networks)
• SOE: State-Owned Enterprise
• NIS: Network and Information Security
• TSI: Three Seas Initiative
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
• BDI: Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie (Federation of German Industries)
• CRE: China Railway Express
• COSCO: China Ocean Shipping Company

Summary of Findings

• Connectivity projects have become a significant aspect of China-EU relations, but they are increasingly seen as a battleground for geopolitical competition.
• The EU has become more critical of China's economic practices and has taken a more assertive stance in its foreign policy.
• China's BRI and the EU's CEF and Connecting Europe and Asia strategy are both aimed at reshaping regional and global connectivity, but their implementation has been affected by political and security concerns.
• The U.S. factor and transatlantic relations have played a key role in shaping the China-EU relationship, influencing policy decisions and strategic priorities.
• The paper calls for a more realistic and pragmatic approach to connectivity, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding and cooperation in areas of shared interest.