Now a systemic rival? Inklings of complex representations of the EU in public survey data of Chinese urban residents

Abstract

China–EU relations have become more challenging recently, especially with China being labeled a ‘systemic rival’. We therefore examine Chinese perceptions of the EU, particularly to see if recent developments have led to changing representations of the EU. This article specifically attempts to discern nascent changes in the complex representation of the EU amongst the general Chinese public by analyzing and comparing original data from two surveys of 3000 Chinese citizens in six major cities conducted in 2010 and in 2020. Our study uncovers the Chinese respondents’ perceptions of the EU in a multifaceted way by providing evidence that they are reconstructing the image of the EU and reconsidering its global role. The overall assessment of China–EU relations by the Chinese public remains one of general goodwill. However, there are more discerning and critical opinions of the EU from the respondents as well, suggesting a much more differentiated view toward the EU. In highlighting the continuities and changes, and situating this discussion within the theoretical lens of two specific forms of complex representation, role and image theories, this study provides a timely and topical discussion of the emergence of a complex portrayal of the EU.