The US-China rivalry and Europe's choice

Abstract

It is in Europe's interest to preserve the rules-based international order, fending off challenges to it by revisionist powers, notably China and Russia. Europe has opted to jump on the US bandwagon to preserve the rules-based order and acts as balance against China. But Europe's approach to China is not likely to be confined rigidly to the parameter set by the US. China's economy continues to be attractive to Europe's trading economy, and, depending on the course of China's foreign policy in the coming years, Europe's position might soften somewhat. In the process, disagreements and conflicts might emerge among stakeholders with regard to the direction, pace, and degree of adjustment in the relationship with China.