Defining the EU-US-China Policy Triangle

 
An “Atlantic Rendez-Vous” TV satellite debate between Washington DC and Brussels

Co-organised by Friends of Europe, the European Commission Delegation to the US, Gallup Europe, the Center of Security and International Studies (CSIS) 

These policy recommendations represent the outcome of the third Atlantic Rendez-Vous (ARV) project in Friends of Europe’s 2006-2007 ARV series. The ARV series is an initiative of Friends of Europe in collaboration with the European Commission Delegation to the US and Gallup Europe. It aims to create a platform for enhanced dialogue and policy debate between the EU and the US on key transatlantic issues.

The pioneering transatlantic satellite format that connects Brussels and Washington in a lively TV-style debate, and the contributions of a wide range of American and European experts, make Friends of Europe’s ARV series unique in its genre and represent an unprecedented attempt to create a transatlantic platform for debate.


Policy recommendations

 Give full support to China’s expansion. It will benefit not only world trade but also the Chinese people themselves. This support should be based, however, on China adopting a completely open trade system.
 Develop a more co-operative approach with China so that not only multinational corporations but also SMEs can benefit from the increased opportunities offered by the Chinese market.
 Utilise all diplomatic means to ensure China does not link its economic expansion to increased military endeavours.
 Develop firm links with people inside China; people who understand the country’s particular situation, and who want to make progress on social and economic reforms.
 Convince China to take on board political considerations, in places such as Somalia, Sudan and other developing regions, when it embarks on trade and investment agreements to meet its raw materials and energy needs.
 Assist China to the maximum extent possible in its development of environmentally friendly technologies, facilitating the transfer of knowledge, the inflow of ‘green’ capitals and China’s participation in multilateral programmes for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
 Use the EU’s experience to help China move forward in its adoption and implementation of legislation in the areas of a) environmental protection and energy efficiency and b) intellectual property rights. In parallel, identify the benefits for China in taking these actions and help the Chinese authorities and society to understand them.
 Prioritise the areas where the EU and the US can positively work together to assist China in its development phase. Deepen the consultations and increase the co-ordination between the two sides of the Atlantic, making resources available for this. If Europe and the US can synchronize their plans, they can avoid being played off against each other.
 Promote the idea of China’s expansion as a positive thing for the citizens of both the EU and the US. Spread the message that China is “open for business”, not only as a production base but also as a final market on its own.

Contributors to this ARV series include: 

About the project

These recommendations have been drawn from the following sources:
 An opinion poll conducted jointly by Gallup Europe and Friends of Europe investigating how EU and US leaders view the future development of China and its implications for Europe and the US;
 The Atlantic Rendez-Vous TV satellite debate entitled “Defining the EU-US-China Policy Triangle”, held simultaneously in Brussels and Washington DC on 12 October, 2006;
 A series of in-depth interviews in Europe and the US with leading officials from government, think-tanks, NGOs and industry, to determine their views on China and its global role. 

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