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As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, the Chinese government and Chinese corporations are seemingly seeking to present an alternative to U.S. global leadership by donating financial support and medical equipment to afflicted countries.

In Beijing’s view, the East is rising while the West is declining. U.S. democracy appears weak compared to the Chinese governance system due to domestic issues, including the COVID-19 response. China is ready to defend its interests and its power.

This briefing argues that China’s rise has worrying implications for the liberal international order and explores how this will affect the transatlantic relationship.

The coronavirus outbreak poses a tremendous test for Beijing. Beyond the immediate public health crisis, the Chinese Communist Party faces a stuttering economy, growing public distrust, and a potentially heavy blow to its global reputation.

Almost two decades after the SARS outbreak, the Chinese government is again confronting a mysterious illness. How China responds to the outbreak have implications for ASEAN states.

This argues that Europe needs to escape the bipolar logic that demands it choose between the American and Chinese economic/technological spheres, and recommends the EU develop a China policy for its drive towards strategic autonomy.

China seeks to refashion the rules-based international order from within by redrawing the boundaries between law and politics. In order to protect the existing order, its proponents ought to champion the binding authority of international law.

The European Union seeks to increase its ability to influence global order through external actions. In December 2020, the EU signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Investments with China to strengthen its alliances beyond the transatlantic.

The Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) serves Australia’s interests and upholds science-driven norms while dampening China’s efforts to access Western technology and exploit fisheries. Countries should safeguard the ATS amid rising geopolitical competition.

The finalization of the China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment signals lasting transatlantic divisions following the Trump administration. Can the Biden administration work with the EU to address China’s concerning economic practices?