Die Internationalen Wirtschaftsbeziehungen und die Volksrepublik China unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Europäischen Union und der Bundesrepublik Deutschland

The world order has constantly been changing since its entry into the (western) modern era (since 1500). The “rise and fall of the big powers” (Paul Kennedy) goes in hand with different systems of dominance, structures, and with different conflict constellations as well. The change of power-based relations within the international order is the result of many interacting agents. The most important reason underlying the balance change of political powers exists, however, in the unequal economic developments. After the end of the Soviet Union it appeared to be that only one superpower stood still, the United States. With the transition into the 21st century it actually became clear that United States’ “unipolarity” went on multiple directionswhile at the same time articulated changes in world economy and also increasingly in the area of political power-relations and distribution. As consequence of the development of the European Union and the rise of China as well as other emerging countries the equilibrium within international political and economic structures invariably changes. Because of the unequal economic growth the world power structures inevitably change. The (relative) fall of United States’ power as well as the rise of the EU, China, India and other powers fosters the global order to turn to multi-polarity. China and the EU are two important rising powers. The relationship between China and the EU won’t be damaged neither bysimple conflict of interests orby territorial and historical problems. Both sides have the same or similar set of ideas dealing with many international topics. Both economies largely fulfill each other and have access to great cooperation potential. Because of the peculiarity of the EU being a “state composite”, China must pay attention to their relation with the different state members of the EU. Since the EU is a limited strategic actor, the positions and interests of the member states is extremely important for cooperation between China and the EU. The stable and constant development of the China-EU relations is not only important for the own development of both sides, but also necessary for the creation of a “multi-polarized” world order and a new stable world structure. This represents the strategic interests of both sides.