Europe and China, on their own, have made tremendous progress in practically every field. Using each other’s technologies, both places are now collaborating to work not only for the good of their own country but also for the benefit of the world. China is a critical strategic partner for the EU in terms of the protection of the environment and other concerns.

It is, nonetheless, a rival in the market and technological advancements. Though both countries work together, they are also major rivals on governance dimensions, morals, and collective action. To learn more about their relationship, consider the following facts about both countries:

Highly active in student exchange

According to DAAD, a German Academic Exchange Service, about 80,000 Chinese men and women travel to European countries each year to study. This is due to the frequent interactions that take place between colleges in European countries and China. On the other hand, many German students move to China to study in Chinese universities to maintain a healthy academic relationship.

Serves as an essential market for each other

Europe and China are major strategic marketplaces for and with each other. This is centred on a daily transaction turnover of around one billion Euros. Imports are highly prevalent in European countries and China. China is the economic powerhouse for European countries, accounting for one-fifth of total imports.

Signing of declaration

Signing of declaration

Europe and China have both joined the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations. In opposition to EU member states, China is distinguished as ‘Not Free’ on the Freedom House Index. Each year, the NGOs associated with the Freedom House rate people’s engagement in political privileges and civil freedoms on the order of 1 to 7, distinguishing between ‘Partly Free,’ ‘Free,’ and ‘Not Free’ countries.

Together protect the climate

Yes, you read that correctly! Though Europe and China are technologically advanced, they do contribute to climate protection. Both the European countries and China collaborate on climate conservation, as both have officially accepted the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The pact is primarily a turning point in the battle against climate change and potential solutions.

Rank amongst the three largest economies


When it comes to the world’s greatest economy, the European Union and China rank with the United States as the world’s three largest. According to data from 2017, the United States, China, and the European Union each contributed around 16 per cent of the world GDP, earning them the title of the world’s top economies.

Elected as representative bodies

Once in five years, the EP (European Parliament) and the NPC (National People’s Congress) of China are designated as people’s voices in the form of representatives. While the NPC has no serious competition to the governing Communist Party, the EP is composed of various democratically chosen parties. However, there are frequent interactions between the legislative bodies, and since 1980, representatives have met at a minimum once every year.