Engaging China on development

China’s emergence as a donor is undermining the preeminence
of traditional donors, including the European Union (EU), in
development policies. While the EU is concerned with this trend, it has not outlined an effective response. The EU needs to understand the interests that drive China’s engagement in this area.

Fundamental differences in Chinese and European approaches to development make large-scale collaboration between the two unlikely. However, there are opportunities for increased dialogue and practical cooperation, which the EU should build upon.