In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Meia Nouwens and Veerle Nouwens join us to unpack the relationship between European countries and China. They begin with an overview of Europe’s relations with China, caveating that the relationship at large is similar, but different countries vary in their approaches to China. Meia explains that European views of China are shifting from seeing it as a potential partner to more of a competitor or systemic rival. Veerle also emphasizes that while European countries and Taiwan have maintained trade relations for years, China has grown more critical of these dialogues, and it is increasingly important for Europe to have clear and consistent messaging about its views on Taiwan. Lastly, they identify important factors that may impact the future of China-Europe relations, including U.S. policy towards China and China’s behavior itself.
Meia Nouwens is a senior fellow for Chinese security and defense policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). She is interested in cross-service defense analysis, China’s defense industry and innovation, and China’s regional strategy and foreign affairs. Veerle Nouwens is a senior research fellow at the International Security Studies Department of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). She focuses on China’s foreign policy, cross-Strait relations, maritime security, and the Asia-Pacific region.