中欧社会论坛 - China Europa Forum

Workshop presentation

In recent years, Africa has attracted more attention from China and Europe. The Europe-African Summit has been held twice since 2000. In December 2005, the EU issued the document titled ‘The EU and Africa: Towards a Strategic Partner’ in pursuit of a fair and new strategic partnership with Africa. On the other hand, as the biggest donor to Africa among the developing countries, China has enhanced its cooperation with Africa both in breadth and in depth in the areas of political, and economic relations, trade, culture, education, healthcare … etc. With no doubt, Africa, the world’s last virgin land, cannot be underestimated in its strategic value with regard to its energy and market for both China and Europe.

The relationship between China and the EU has been progressing with ups and downs since the establishment of the diplomatic relation in 1975. In 2004, it was located to be ‘a comprehensive strategic partnership’. However, there have been conflicts between the parties in the recent two years especially in the rise of concerns of “China Threat” among Europeans along with China’s increasing economic power and international influence. The ascent of China is often misinterpreted as a challenge to Europe’s development as well as its interest in other parts of the world. Today, the impacts of the financial tsunami are spreading around the globe, marking the advent of an era of complete reform. In this turning point of history, the countries over the world are seeking the future’s model and scope of development and so do China and Europe. From this point of view, China and Europe, thus, meet each other in Africa.

Topics for debates

 However, what is the implication of the ascent of China to Europe and Africa?
 To what extent does Chinese and European interest in Africa will influence each other?
 What kind of role will Africa play in the future development of the Sino-European relations?
 Are China and Europe the competitors or partners in the issues about Africa?
 Is there the possibility and condition for both parties to launch a dialogue for cooperation?
 How can the Sino-European participation in African affairs promote the development of the latter?

Our team is going to explore, discuss and exchange opinions around these issues.

About us

Chinese Prime Mover

Prof. Hao Yufan (郝雨凡)，Dean of FSH, Social Science Research Centre on Comtemporary China (SSRC)

European Prime Mover

José Luis De Sales Marques, President of the Institute of European Studies of Macau (IEEM)

Coordinators

Ms. Jiang Shanshan (姜姗姗)

Jimmy Leong (IEEM)