The Role of Culture in EU-China Relations

Abstract:

While the importance of culture in international relations was recognized during the ideological competition of the Cold War, the 'end of history' also wrongfully led to disregard this important element until the Arab Spring and Islamic fundamentalism sounded an alarm clock. On the other hand, modern diplomacy is no longer exclusively based on politics and economics but adds the people-to-people and cultural pillar which is transnational in nature. In implementing this approach the EU appears at first side hindered by the Member States' reluctance to concede competences in culture and education to the European level while leveraging European strength based on diversity and tolerance is a particularly important tool when dealing with a large partner like China which does not share core values with the EU while presenting an Asian model of success at least in terms of economic development.

Choosing China as test case for starting a European cultural diplomacy with the potential of world-wide enlargement is a bold project which allows studying the various facets of culture and cultural diplomacy as well as the relevant discourses.As the initiative emanated from the European Parliament which subscribes to the notion of 'European culture' some expected obstacles did not occur although the implementation of the concept still needs further political traction.