How big is China’s global economic footprint: Takeaways for the European Union

The international outreach of the Chinese economy has grown substantially in tandem to its rapid domestic development. Chinese SOEs have increased their presence both in the developed world as well as in the Global South, and China has become a more central player in international trade networks. At the same time, China’s economic ties with the EU are the topic of a vivid debate, most notably in the context of growing geopolitical uncertainty.

This event sought to discuss these developments, with relevant questions such as how we can properly assess the EU’s exposure to the Chinese economy and how dependent is the EU on China for its decarbonization and how safe is it to do so? The event also offered presentation of some policy alternatives beyond de-risking, which were inspired by the policy conclusions of Bruegel’s most recent research on China’s economic relations with the EU.

This event was organised by Bruegel in cooperation with Asia Centre and the Mercator Institute for China Studies.

Agenda

• 14:00-14.30 Check-in and welcome coffee
  
• 14:30-14.40 Opening remarks
  - Jeromin Zettelmeyer, Director, Bruegel
  - Joerg Wuttke, Chief Representative, BASF China
• 14:40-15:10 Presentation by Alicia Garciìa-Herrero, Senior Fellow, Bruegel
• 15:10-15:30 Comments by lead discussants chaired by Jean François Di Meglio, President, AsiaCentre
  - Heather Grabbe, Non-resident Fellow, Bruegel
  - Maria Martin Prat, Deputy Director General, European Commission, DG Trade
  - Marjut Hannonen, Head of Trade and Economic Section in Beijing, European External Action Service
• 15:30-16:20 Roundtable discussion
• 16:20-16:30 Concluding remarks
  - Jens Eskelund, Chairman, European Union Chamber of Commerce in China
  - Mikko Huotari, Director, MERICS