Title
Being Assertive with China: A European Perspective
Abstract
The post-pandemic “new normal” has left Europe divided–both across borders and within individual countries–in a cycle of attraction and repulsion. This is especially true in terms of the European Union’s economic and political relationship with China. Meanwhile, China is actively working to replace a world order that has been characterized by stable alliances with a more “Asianized” system of flexible partnerships. This talk explored potential next steps for the European Union in terms of engaging with China, and how they might match with the expectations of the U.S. and other allies. Di Meglio argued for the necessity of EU assertiveness–a diplomatic stance that is distinct from aggressiveness–with China.
This visit, which included other speaking engagements on campus, was co-sponsored by the Center for East Asian Studies; the Center for Interdisciplinary French Studies; the Center for European Studies; and by the UW Law School’s East Asian Legal Studies Center.
Biography
Jean-François Di Meglio is the 2023 James B. MacDonald Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School’s East Asian Legal Studies Center. He is also a professor at Science Po Paris, where his work focuses on China, energy, and finance. He is also the co-founder and president of Asia Centre, an independent Paris-based research institute that holds debates and issues publications on matters relating to international, strategic, economic relations, as well as the political and social transformations underway in the Asia-Pacific region.