James F. Downes, Ph.D. is a political scientist and researcher whose work focuses on European politics, EU–China relations, and international affairs.
In this PIECES conversation, he explains why one of the biggest sources of misunderstanding between Europe and China may be institutional.
From Beijing’s perspective, the European Union is not a single state with one chain of command. The European Commission, European Parliament, European Council, member-state governments, and other institutions each hold different powers and priorities.
This complexity can encourage China to engage directly with individual European countries. While Beijing may see this as a pragmatic way to reach agreements, Brussels can interpret the same approach as an attempt to bypass EU institutions or divide Europe.
Downes argues that the issue is therefore more complicated than simply asking whether China is trying to divide Europe.
The EU’s own institutional structure creates opportunities for bilateral engagement, while Europe increasingly views those relationships through the lens of economic security.
Watch the conversation below.
