ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Danish-Chinese relations primarily from a Danish perspective, and focuses on the deepening bilateral relationship and the continuing dilemma of how to reconcile economic interests with identity-driven political concerns. It examines the burgeoning economic interaction between the two countries. The chapter outlines the central components of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Denmark and China. It also discusses an account of how Denmark has handled the sensitive human rights issue since the late 1990s. The chapter focuses on President Hu Jintao's controversial state visit to Denmark in 2012, which has recently been subject to a special investigatory commission. China has only recently become a major trade partner to Denmark. Until 2004, bilateral trade, including goods and services, amounted to a mere DKK 22 billion, but the next decade saw an explosive growth trajectory, despite the disruptive effects of the global financial crisis in 2007–09.
