Can Europe and China Shape a New World Order?

Grant, the director of London's Center for European Reform, argues for a "strategic partnership" between the EU and China to confront global problems that affect them both. He acknowledges the obstacles. With Europe's trade deficit with China at $235 billion, almost as big as the United States' trade deficit with China, Europeans are getting frustrated with China's currency manipulation and dumping of goods. Like the Americans, the Europeans do not approve of China's human rights practices or policy toward Tibet. And they worry about China's foreign policy of supporting dictatorships in Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East in exchange for raw materials. Still, Grant believes that a strategic partnership with an increasingly responsible China is possible and calls for action in four key areas: climate change, weapons proliferation, Africa, and global governance. That goal may be overly optimistic, but Grant lays out a positive, practical agenda and shows that in some cases, at least, China is creeping toward more of an "international stakeholder" role. Engagement with the EU might well help that process along.