The European Union in the Asia-Pacific: Rethinking Europe's Strategies and Policies

The European Union has defined the Asia Pacific as a key strategic target since the mid-1990s, and this volume evaluates the EU's performance in its Asian policy. It covers traditional security, economy and trade, public diplomacy, and human security, and focuses on the EU's relations with China, Japan, the ASEAN countries, and Australasia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Since the mid-1990s, the European Union has identified the Asia Pacific as a crucial strategic focus on its ambitious journey toward global power. Over the past decades, significant transformations have occurred on both sides and in the broader world. It is now imperative to assess the European Union's performance in its Asian policy. In reality, the EU is facing challenges in its Asia Pacific strategy. On various fronts, the EU is compelled to redefine its interests and roles, reevaluate its strategies and policies toward the dynamic and ever-important Asia Pacific region. This volume explores this theme by providing a comprehensive context, key issues, and countries in the European Union's Asia Pacific policy. It covers areas such as traditional security, economy and trade, public diplomacy, and human security, with a particular focus on the EU's relations with China, Japan, the ASEAN countries, and Australasia.

The European Union's engagement with the Asia Pacific region has been a significant part of its foreign policy agenda since the mid-1990s. The region is characterized by its rapid economic growth, geopolitical importance, and diverse range of challenges and opportunities. The EU has sought to strengthen its relations with the Asia Pacific countries through various initiatives, including trade agreements, diplomatic engagements, and humanitarian aid.

One of the key aspects of the EU's Asia Pacific policy is its relationship with China. China is the world's second-largest economy and a major player in global politics and economics. The EU has established a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, which includes trade agreements, investment deals, and cooperation on issues such as climate change and human rights. However, the EU's relationship with China has also been characterized by tensions and disagreements, particularly over issues such as trade policy, human rights, and territorial disputes.

Another important aspect of the EU's Asia Pacific policy is its engagement with Japan. Japan is a key ally of the EU in the region and is a major player in global politics and economics. The EU has established a comprehensive strategic partnership with Japan, which includes trade agreements.

The EU's engagement with the ASEAN countries is also a significant part of its Asia Pacific policy. The ASEAN is a regional organization of 10 countries in Southeast Asia that aims to promote economic growth, social development, and peace and stability in the region. The EU has established a comprehensive strategic partnership with the ASEAN, which includes trade agreements.

The EU's engagement with Australasia is also a significant part of its Asia Pacific policy. Australasia is a region that includes Australia, New Zealand, and several Pacific Island countries. The EU has established a comprehensive strategic partnership with Australasia, which includes trade.

In addition to its bilateral relationships, the EU has also engaged with the Asia Pacific region through multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. The EU has played a key role in shaping the regional architecture and promoting regional cooperation in the Asia Pacific region.

However, the EU's engagement with the Asia Pacific region has also faced challenges. One of the key challenges is the rise. The region is characterized by its complex and diverse range of challenges and opportunities, including economic development, climate change, terrorism, and regional security. The EU has sought to address these challenges through its Asia Pacific policy, but it has faced challenges in terms of its effectiveness and coherence.

Another challenge is the rise of authoritarianism in the region. Some countries in the Asia Pacific region have adopted authoritarian policies, which have undermined democratic values and human rights. The EU has sought to promote human rights and democracy in the region, but it has faced challenges in terms of its effectiveness and coherence.

In conclusion, the European Union's engagement with the Asia Pacific region has been a significant part of its foreign policy agenda since the mid-1990s. The region is characterized by its rapid economic growth, geopolitical importance, and diverse range of challenges and opportunities. The EU has sought to strengthen its relations with the Asia Pacific countries through various initiatives, including trade agreements, diplomatic engagements, and humanitarian aid. However, the EU's engagement with the Asia Pacific region has also faced challenges, including the rise.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163882