The aim of this article is threefold. Based on academic literature in the field, the first step is to understand the link between 'soft power', 'public diplomacy' and 'soft diplomacy' tools in order to set out the criteria necessary to define what 'soft diplomacy' is and assess whether the P2P is indeed a soft diplomacy tool in the EU-China relationship. Second, a close examination of the diplomatic toolboxes of both the EU and China will demonstrate the benefits of using soft diplomatic instruments to consolidate and further expand the EU-China Strategic Partnership. Third, as the P2P appears as a complementary new tool rather than as a substitute for 'hard diplomacy', it will be evaluated as a precious tool used by the EU and China to try and shape cooperation through governmental as well as non-governmental relations.

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