Climate Superpowers: How the EU and China Can Compete and Cooperate for a Green future

The notion of “partnership” no longer reflects the true complexity of the EU’s interactions with China. As climate action becomes more material to economic interests, the two will compete and cooperate against the backdrop of an overarching systemic rivalry. To manage this reality, the EU will have to clearly define benchmarks and red lines for credible climate action and set a framework for cooperation. They will also need to invest in future competitiveness in green technology and compete for markets, standards, and influence in a low-carbon world.