Conclusion: Managing the Conceptual Gaps in China-EU Relations

Abstract

The main argument in this volume is that a better understanding of Chinese-European divergences and convergences over fundamental political concepts is conducive to a better understanding of the China-Europe relationship. Chinese-European disputes over issues from Tibet to human rights, from market economy status to arms embargo, from Africa to Iran are reflected, to a large extent, in their perceptual gaps on such political concepts as sovereignty, human rights, strategic partnership, multilateralism and global governance, among others.