An analysis of the economic integration of China and the European Union: the role of European trade policy

Building a stable industrial relationship with the main emergent countries has become a priority for developed nations. In order to measure the advances that have taken place in the commercial and industrial integration between China and the EU, the present study analyses bilateral processing trade figures. The results reveal a lack of increased industrial bilateral cooperation in comparison with other world regions and, therefore, the need for gradual changes in commercial policy to avoid conflict in this bilateral relationship. The EU considers that China has obtained more benefits from their bilateral cooperation. Nevertheless, European authorities should understand that China is neither the problem of nor the solution to European competitiveness difficulties. New cooperation channels must be sought in order to arrive at a better mutual understanding in the future.