EU-China relations in light of Russia’s war in the Ukraine – A Discussion with Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis

Ambassador Chapuis has served as the EU’s top diplomat in Beijing since September 2018 – arguably the most difficult phase ever for EU-China relations. Beijing’s Moscow-leaning position in the Ukraine war has been the latest strain for a relationship already troubled by multiple issues, such as the Lithuania crisis, the tit-for-tat sanctions of March 2021 or dispute over the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). Nevertheless, diplomats in Beijing and Brussels are aiming to hold a virtual EU-China Summit on April 1, in the hope of stabilizing the relationship and finding common ground on at least some contentious issues.

We were delighted that Ambassador Chapuis discussed these and other topics with MERICS members and key stakeholders. The event was by invitation only and strictly confidential.