Eurasia Review is pleased to announce the publication of its latest thematic issue, entitled “China–Europe Relations and the Global South in a Changing Global Order,” published by the Eurasia Center of John von Neumann University in cooperation with Fudan University.
The international order is undergoing profound transformation. The gradual emergence of a multipolar world, the growing importance of the Global South, and the restructuring of global economic and technological networks are reshaping relations between major powers. In this changing environment, China–Europe relations have become increasingly significant, not only for the two sides themselves but also for the future of global governance, international trade, and regional connectivity.
Against this backdrop, the new issue of Eurasia Review brings together eight academic studies by international scholars, offering diverse perspectives on the geopolitical, economic, technological, and communication dimensions of China–Europe relations. The central argument of this issue is that these relations cannot be understood in isolation from the broader transformation of the global order. While strategic competition and political differences remain important, economic interdependence, shared challenges, and opportunities for cooperation continue to shape the relationship between China and Europe.
The first section, “The Changing Global Order and the Global South,” establishes the broader geopolitical framework. Jian Junbo and Kuok Kei U examine the evolving relationship between China, the European Union, and the Global South, exploring how shifting international power structures and different approaches to global governance influence their interactions. Aleksandar Mitić focuses on the Western Balkans, analyzing the implications of the 2026 U.S. State Department’s strategy for the region, particularly in the context of China’s growing economic and technological presence and the wider geopolitical competition among major powers.
The second section, “China–Europe Economic Relations,” turns to the economic foundations of the relationship. In his study “Is Hungary China’s Trojan Horse? Chinese FDI in Europe in a Global Comparative Perspective,” Levente Horváth challenges prevailing political narratives by examining Chinese foreign direct investment in Europe within the broader context of global investment patterns. Particular attention is given to Hungary’s position in European automotive and battery value chains and the economic motivations behind Chinese investments. Marcell Horváth explores the development of EU–China financial relations, examining the opportunities and challenges for financial cooperation in an increasingly complex international monetary and economic environment.
The third section, “China and Central and Eastern Europe,” provides a regional perspective on China–Europe relations. Yan Shaohua examines China’s relations with the Visegrád Four, highlighting the different approaches adopted by Central European countries and the influence of national interests, European Union policies, and geopolitical developments. Fang Jiongsheng and his co-authors investigate innovation cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, identifying opportunities for scientific and technological partnerships as well as the structural and institutional challenges that may affect their development.
The final section, “New Areas of Cooperation and Communication,” explores emerging dimensions of international cooperation and mutual understanding. Song Lilei and Wu Yue analyze the potential role of China–EU scientific and technological cooperation in supporting the green transition of the Global South, emphasizing the importance of knowledge exchange, technological innovation, and sustainable development. In the concluding study, Niu Shan examines China’s international communication strategies, arguing for a shift from simply telling China’s story toward localizing China’s story. Drawing on the Hungarian experience, the article highlights the importance of credibility, cultural adaptation, and independent third-party perspectives in building mutual understanding between societies.
Taken together, the eight contributions demonstrate that China–Europe relations are far more complex than a simple choice between cooperation and competition. They are embedded in a broader transformation of the international system, in which the rise of new economic centers, the growing influence of the Global South, and the reconfiguration of global value chains are creating new challenges and opportunities.
The purpose of this special issue is not to present a single interpretation of China–Europe relations, but to encourage a more comprehensive, evidence-based, and internationally informed academic dialogue. By bringing together different perspectives and research approaches, Eurasia Review seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the changing global order and the role that Europe, China, and the Global South may play in shaping its future.
We invite scholars, policymakers, students, and all readers interested in international relations and Eurasian affairs to explore the latest issue of Eurasia Review.