ABSTRACT
This period saw the gradual build-up of tensions surrounding EU–China trade relations. Roughly, there were three major events that are somewhat coherent and emblematic: first, the EU's “diplomacy offensive” towards China in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis (2009–2012); second, the EU's pursuit of reciprocity (2010–2019); and third, the EU's pursuit of pivotal status in the broader strategic triangle among China, the US and Europe. In each case, the EU has used a linkage strategy. It is amply clear that the EU's diplomacy offensive with China yielded few results, but its strategic moves in the China–US–EU strategic triangle brought a number of direct benefits to the EU.
