What is the western world’s reaction to the rise of China? What kind of hopes and problems are associated with a “strategic partnership” between China and the EU? Do both sides have a similar understanding of “global governance” and are they equally in favour of strengthening multilateral structures?
The 147th Bergedorf Round Table, taking place in Beijing and chaired by Richard von Weizsäcker and Sun Jiazheng, brought together politicians and high-profile experts from China and from EU countries to discuss openly the perspectives and possible obstacles for Chinese-European cooperation in a globalized world.
The starting point of the discussion was the current situation of China, marked by both rapid economic development and staggering social and ecological problems. The participants envisioned cornerstones of a future partnership and referred to a plethora of shared interests and targets in global affairs. However, frictions arising from different values and from distorted views of the other side were also addressed. The Round Table also tackled overriding issues relating to the future of “global governance”: Which kinds of reforms are necessary to give multilateral institutions more legitimacy? Which role will China and the EU play in this regard? What will be the status of institutions such as the UN and the G 20 in years to come?
With an introduction by Helmut Schmidt