Date Posted: 2020-12-22
Examining Divergent Approaches: EU and China’s Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to the global community, exposing vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, economies, and international cooperation. The responses of the European Union and China to the crisis have been markedly different, reflecting their distinct political and economic systems. The Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) has published an analysis examining these contrasting approaches and their implications for global governance and EU-China relations. This analysis offers insights into the key lessons learned and the potential for future cooperation in addressing global health crises.
The EU and China adopted different strategies for managing the pandemic. China implemented strict lockdowns, mass testing, and centralized control measures to contain the virus, while the EU initially struggled to coordinate a unified response, with member states adopting different approaches. These differences reflect the EU’s decentralized governance structure and its emphasis on individual freedoms, compared to China’s centralized and authoritarian system.
The pandemic also exposed differences in the EU and China’s approaches to international cooperation. China engaged in “mask diplomacy,” providing medical supplies and assistance to countries around the world, while the EU initially focused on addressing the crisis within its own borders. However, the EU later stepped up its international efforts, providing financial assistance and coordinating the distribution of vaccines to developing countries.
The pandemic has had a significant impact on EU-China relations. It has led to increased scrutiny of China’s transparency and accountability in the early stages of the outbreak, as well as concerns about the quality of Chinese medical supplies. At the same time, the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the EU and China in addressing global health challenges.
The analysis by the IAI suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a “clash of systems” between the EU and China. This clash reflects fundamental differences in their political and economic models, as well as their approaches to international cooperation. However, the pandemic has also demonstrated the need for greater cooperation between the EU and China in addressing global challenges.
To strengthen EU-China relations in the post-pandemic era, the IAI recommends the following:
Enhancing transparency and communication: Both the EU and China should enhance transparency and communication on issues related to global health, including the sharing of data and information on emerging infectious diseases.
Strengthening global health governance: The EU and China should work together to strengthen global health governance, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to ensure that the world is better prepared to respond to future pandemics.
Promoting vaccine equity: The EU and China should cooperate to promote vaccine equity, ensuring that vaccines are distributed fairly to all countries, regardless of their wealth or political influence.
Investing in research and development: The EU and China should invest in research and development to develop new vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics for infectious diseases.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for the EU and China, but it has also created opportunities for greater cooperation. By learning from the lessons of the pandemic and working together to address global health challenges, the EU and China can strengthen their relationship and contribute to a more secure and prosperous world. This requires a commitment to transparency, communication, and multilateralism, as well as a willingness to bridge the differences in their political and economic systems. The ability to collaborate effectively in the face of shared threats will be a defining factor in shaping the future of EU-China relations.
– Davide Pena –
