Bridging the communication gap in EU-China relations: policy, media, and public opinion

Abstract

Over the past decade, the series of crises in the EU, the rise of China, and the outbreak of the global pandemic have complicated contemporary EU-China relations. In this context, studies on the bilateral relationship have thrived. However, little is known how the complex relationship is reflected in the self-construction of one side through the understanding of the other. This special issue aims to contribute to this area. It consists of five articles, revealing the communication gap as seen from three perspectives, namely, official policy statements, mass media representations, and public opinion polls. Together, these sources provide empirical evidence on the different interpretations of “the other” in the reflection of “self” between the EU and China and the consequences they have caused. The special issue of this journal will shed light on the logical growth point and current soil of EU-China relations and help to promote mutual understanding and the establishment of mutual trust.

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“…This paper considers the changes that can be seen in public opinion regarding China, and regarding increased and enhanced trade and investment cooperation with China, primarily in the developed countries of the EU, that occurred over time from the years preceding the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment that was announced on 20 December 2020, and up to the decision by the European Parliament not to ratify the CAI on 20 May 2021. As Zhang Li notes, Europe's view of China is increasingly complex, and the complexity derives in part from the increasing number of member states, and as a result of China's developing relations with Central and Eastern European nations (Zhang, 2022). China's economic leverage, through the funding of projects in Greece and Hungary, appears to have enabled China 'to disrupt a united European policy on China' (Cooper, 2019).…”

Perspectives on The Suspension of the Eu-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment.

“…This paper considers the changes that can be seen in public opinion regarding China, and regarding increased and enhanced trade and investment cooperation with China, primarily in the developed countries of the EU, that occurred over time from the years preceding the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment that was announced on 20 December 2020, and up to the decision by the European Parliament not to ratify the CAI on 20 May 2021. As Zhang Li notes, Europe's view of China is increasingly complex, and the complexity derives in part from the increasing number of member states, and as a result of China's developing relations with Central and Eastern European nations (Zhang, 2022). China's economic leverage, through the funding of projects in Greece and Hungary, appears to have enabled China 'to disrupt a united European policy on China' (Cooper, 2019).…”

Chinese perceptions of the EU: the impact of social media use

“…Many studies of the Chinese perceptions of the EU have thus investigated the role of the news media, hitherto focusing on print newspapers, television and broadcast. Indeed, traditional news media have not only helped to construct the images of both sides but also fed the policy-making process in the relationship between the EU and China (Zhang, 2022). With the advent of the Internet, media consumption is growing in spurts, while also becoming increasingly personalized.…”