China–EU Climate Complex Interdependence Amid COVID-19 and Geopolitical Tensions: Prospects for Future

Abstract

The world is facing multiple challenges: Climate change, biodiversity loss, and extreme environmental degradation. Moreover, it has entered a new era marked by greater instability and uncertainty, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and other geopolitical tensions. Relations between China and the European Union (EU) cannot stay immune amid these changes. In order to achieve climate neutrality at an early date, despite having different political institutions, domestic priorities, economic systems, and diverse values, both Beijing and Brussels are managing their bilateral ties and leading international efforts at climate mitigation. However, escalating rifts, different perceptions, and opposing domestic and global approaches are undercutting the efficacy of their partnership. This paper aims to deeply evaluate their climate partnership based on a common stance of generating a low-carbon economy and green transition amid geopolitical tensions, great power rivalry, and post-pandemic uncertainty. With suitable vision and strong commitments, China and the EU recognize a “win–win” opportunity in the green transition. So, regardless of mounting pressures, there is a chance that China–EU relations will not deteriorate considerably. Although geopolitical circumstances might not allow for a smooth transition, both can still reap real benefits from a deep interdependence on certain key issues.