ABSTRACT
Since the end of 1970s, the world has witnessed the re-emergence of two powers – China and the European Union.1 China built its strength mainly through its rapid economic growth as a result of its 40-year reform and opening-up efforts, while the EU built its strength mainly through its integration and enlargement process, as well as establishing a regional and global governance network and setting an example for the near and far abroad. The concept of ‘linkage power' differs from the normative and idealistic understandings of ‘civil power' or ‘civilizing power'. The concept of ‘linkage' highlights the fact that its substance is bargaining and trade-offs in negotiations on particular interests. Moreover, the European Union sets the effective implementation of certain human rights conventions as the precondition for granting a vulnerable developing country the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance.
