Sino-European Relationships

A Historical Perspective

Since the mid-1980s, China has pursued a deeply independent foreign policy, officially rejecting overly close relationships with any nation or region. The stated objectives of this policy were to safeguard world peace, oppose all forms of domination, and achieve economic modernization domestically. 

Early Encounters and Trade

Historically, there have been early encounters between Europe and China dating back to the late 1200s when the Polo brothers, Niccolò and Maffeo, traveled from Constantinople to China. They are recognized as the first known European traders to visit the country. Additionally, figures like the Florentine Balducci Pegolotti compiled guides about trade with China based on the accounts of various merchants who were knowledgeable about the region..

Contemporary Economic Relations

In contemporary times, the European Union (EU) stands as China's largest trading partner, while China ranks as the EU's second most significant trade partner after the United States. The trade between them primarily involves industrial and manufactured goods. 

Historical Context: The Opium Wars

The historical context of Sino-European relations also includes conflicts like the Opium Wars. The First Opium War, fought between Britain and China, stemmed from conflicting views on diplomatic relations, trade, and the administration of justice for foreign nationals.