This year marked the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. Over the years, the relationship has centered on trade cooperation mechanisms. The foundation for strong and structured economic relations was laid 40 years ago, in 1985, with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the two. Relations took a new turn with the turning of the 21st century, when China and the EU established a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2003.
Today, that not-so-distant past looks like another era. Over the past few years, China-EU ties have developed into a systematic rivalry, which has become even more complex during the past few months after China introduced new license requirements for the export of rare earth elements and related products in April.
Tensions mounted to a new high on September 30, when the government of the Netherlands announced it was taking control of the Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia. In doing so, the Netherlands invoked the Goods Availability Act, citing “serious governance shortcomings and actions.” According to the Dutch government, the decision was taken in order “to prevent a situation in which the goods produced by Nexperia (fi
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