such mismatch is multi-tiered. The differences in systems, mechanisms, benefits and
rules in China and the EU are evident.^19 Both sides lack a profound understanding
of each other and have stereotyped impressions of each other.^20 And some com-
mentators have exaggerated the situation to bring about a stirring effect.^21 Besides,
the two sides disagree on how to define“strategic partnership”, and lack a common
understanding of the priority objectives for defining mutual relations, creating an
impediment to a deep exploitation of the existing“commonalities”.^22 Mr. Mei
Zhaorong, former Chinese ambassador to Germany and former president of the
Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, believed that the key problem lies in
the European leaders’false understanding of China; they have not treated China as
a“comprehensive strategic partner”, but rather as a“strong competitor”, which has
led to increasingly tougher trade policies towards China and more focus on ide-
ology; moreover, they have fallen behind in the issues related to China’s core
interests, have even interfered in China’s internal affairs, and have required China to
shoulder“growing international responsibilities”. The analysis of Mr. Mei shows
that the deep cause for such a status lies in the declining competitiveness of
European countries and the re-emergence of trade protectionism, for which they
have linked China’s rapid“rise”to their“decline”in the wrong way. There were of
course some other causes such as Eurocentrism and superiority of the western
civilization and interference from the US, but the root cause lies in the nature of the
EU’s China policy, i.e.“to obtain economic benefits by utilizing China’s market
with huge potential”, through“infiltrating China with their values at all costs”and
by“trying to include China in the West-dominated international political and
economic system”.^23 Sadly, these objectives have not been realized as expected. In
order to achieve a clearer interpretation of the complex China-EU relations, this
report intends to provide a multi-focused overview of the development of China-EU
relations for the past decade, for which four perspectives have been selected: three
pillars of China-EU relations, China-EU relations within global governance,
China’s relationships with EU member states, and a comparison of China-EU
relations and EU-US relationship. Methodologically,figures have been cited for the
analysis, and more importantly, stress has been laid on the analysis of the behav-
ioral agent and pattern, statement of facts and streamlining of the context.
(^19) See Zhou (2008b).
(^20) See Zhou ( 2011 ).
(^21) It is believed by many that François Godement aimed at producing a stirring effect by proposing
the view in“A Global China Policy”(POLICY BRIEF, European Council on Foreign Relations,
ecfr.eu.).
(^22) The Chinese placed“the market economy position”and“ending arms embargo”as their strategic
priority goals, while the Europeans placed“fairer and freer access to China’s market”as their
strategic priority goal. For the comments by Pehrsson, former Prime Minister of Sweden, Chirac,
former President of France, US academics and Charles Kupchan, see Ye ( 2011 ) and Xue ( 2010 ).
(^23) Mei Zhaorong,“Rethinking about the China-EU Relations”.http://www.gmw.cn/01gmrb/2010-
04/30/content_1107337.htm/.
1 An Overview of the China-EU Strategic Partnership (2003–2013) 11