This article discusses the dramatic recent shifts in Chinese policy perspectives on the European Union (EU) and EU-China relations. Whereas for more than a decade, policy makers and Europe... Show moreThis article discusses the dramatic recent shifts in Chinese policy perspectives on the European Union (EU) and EU-China relations. Whereas for more than a decade, policy makers and Europe specialists in China had regarded the EU as an exemplar of regional integration and as a promising new ‘pole’ in the global order, a recent survey shows that today, in the wake of the Eurozone crisis, the refugee crisis, and the ‘Brexit’ referendum, many perceive the EU as a troubled actor unfit to deal with the existential challenges confronting it, let alone play a credible leadership role beyond its own borders. Despite this, Beijing’s ambitious international agenda at a time of global uncertainty guarantees China’s ever-growing stake in building a reliable, long-term partnership with the EU, even though recent Chinese diplomatic and economic initiatives are gravitating towards the Union’s periphery, targeting subregional groupings of Member States along Europe’s re-emerging, traditional fault lines. Based on the research findings presented in this paper, the authors argue that the EU and the Member States need to rethink the basic assumptions underlying their China policies in the so called ‘New Era’ and explore new approaches of engagement that match these shifting perceptions, policies and political realities. Show less
The Chinese Communist Party is confronted with a growing gap that separates the rhetoric about socialism and party rule from the individualism and materialism caused by capitalism and opening up to... Show moreThe Chinese Communist Party is confronted with a growing gap that separates the rhetoric about socialism and party rule from the individualism and materialism caused by capitalism and opening up to the outside world. In response, the Party has developed strategies that draw on an understanding of the dedication to the Party that is specifically religious, yet does not require belief, conviction or faith in a doctrine. These strategies revolve around the Leninist concept of ‘Party spirit’ that, paradoxically, has been turned into a commodity that can be produced, supplied and consumed. Drawing on insights from the anthropology of pilgrimage, tourism and religion, these strategies will be discussed in the context of party cadre education and so-called ‘red tourism.’ The article concludes that the Party is shaping its evolution from an infallible bearer of ideological dogma to a sacred object of worship as part of a new ‘communist civil religion.’ Show less
Tussen september 2016 en mei 2017 verrichte het LeidenAsiaCentre onderzoek naar Chinese beleidsvisies en percepties inzake de Europese Unie, de EU-China relatie en bilaterale betrekkingen tussen... Show moreTussen september 2016 en mei 2017 verrichte het LeidenAsiaCentre onderzoek naar Chinese beleidsvisies en percepties inzake de Europese Unie, de EU-China relatie en bilaterale betrekkingen tussen Nederland en China. Dit artikel bevat een verkorte weergave van de belangrijkste onderzoeksbevindingen en conclusies naar aanleiding van een brede analyse van Chinese publicaties en een rondgang bij 30 beleidsmakers, diplomaten en waarnemers in Beijing, Shanghai, Brussel en Den Haag. Op grond van hun bevindingen stellen de auteurs dat het tijd is voor een realiteitscheck en herziening van het huidige China-beleid in Nederland en Europa. Show less
The rapid growth of Chinese investment in the Netherlands has been cause for both excitement and anxiety. Many of the companies and other investors are still unknown and the background and... Show moreThe rapid growth of Chinese investment in the Netherlands has been cause for both excitement and anxiety. Many of the companies and other investors are still unknown and the background and objectives of their investment often remain unclear. This research takes a close look at fourteen Chinese companies that vary in size, ownership form, mode of entry, age and sector. We explore the objectives, background and internal dynamics of these companies and focus on the challenges they are facing both in the Netherlands and China. Our most important findings are the following: 1. The overall presence of Chinese companies in the Netherlands is still modest, despite rapid growth in recent years. The level and overall economic impact of Chinese investment in the Netherlands is still much less than that from other major economies in the world (US, Japan). The Netherlands also lags behind other major European economies. To take advantage of China’s economic growth and global rise, the Netherlands needs more, not less Chinese investment. 2. We should avoid a simple binary division between political and commercial motivations behind Chinese investment in the Netherlands. Chinese central and local governments, the Communist Party and state-owned and private companies are connected in a complex symbiosis. Government policy, company strategy and even personal considerations all play a role in determining the objectives, destinations and volume of investments abroad. Dutch businesses and policy makers therefore need to assess carefully what the strategic implications of specific investments might be, instead of simply making a choice either in favour of or against Chinese investment. 3. Although the Dutch domestic market is small, it is attractive to Chinese companies because of its favourable regulatory and tax regime, high-quality business services, safe and stable society, well-organised government, connectedness to other European countries, nationwide English proficiency, and pragmatic business attitudes. The Netherlands is an excellent stepping stone to explore the much larger European market. The Netherlands should build on to these advantages to attract Chinese investors who are deciding on a location for their business in Europe. Many Chinese companies are here for the long term and are eager to learn and adapt to the local business environment. They are very aware of the huge cultural differences between China and Europe and their own lack of international experience, often amplified by a romanticised image of Europe. This provides the Netherlands with the opportunity to mould Chinese companies into enterprises that fit a Western economy and society. Through engagement and regulation, the Netherlands has the chance to help shape Chinese multinationals in the making. All in all, business encounters with China, an emerging superpower, are inevitable and essential for the Netherlands to maintain and enhance its position in the world. The presence of Chinese companies provides opportunities to accumulate knowledge and expertise on China and to building bridges and trust. Show less
Hong, T.M.; Pieke, F.N.; Steehouder, L.; Veldhuizen, J.L. van 2017
The number of Chinese students in the Dutch higher education sector has grown rapidly. In 2014 the number of Chinese BA and MA students reached 4638, or about 7 percent of the population of... Show moreThe number of Chinese students in the Dutch higher education sector has grown rapidly. In 2014 the number of Chinese BA and MA students reached 4638, or about 7 percent of the population of international students in the Netherlands. The number of formally employed PhD students in that year was 427. After the Germans, the Chinese have become the second largest group of international students. Dutch HBO schools (‘universities of applied sciences’) used to attract about half of all Chinese students in the Netherlands, but their share has been dropping perceptibly in recent years. The presence of Chinese students has become a structural aspect of the Dutch higher education sector. In the competition for student talent from China, the Netherlands lose out to top-ranked universities in the English-speaking world. Nevertheless, the Netherlands has proven to be quite successful as one of the most English of all non-English-speaking countries with a very wide range of study programmes in English. When looking at the relative costs of studying abroad the Netherlands occupies a middle position. As a result, Chinese students often come to the Netherlands as an excellent second-best choice. Self-development and exposure to foreign cultures are the most important reasons to study abroad. Another consideration is the hope of gaining a competitive advantage in the Chinese job market upon return. Students view the Netherlands as safe, egalitarian, and open to different cultures. This appreciation of certain aspects of Dutch society is also a reflection on satisfaction with some social changes inherent to China’s rapid modernization. Students appreciate the fact that Dutch education puts more emphasis on skills and the use of knowledge. Contacts with international students is an important aspect of positive experiences of Chinese students. Relations with Dutch students seems to be less common. Students encounter problems with a language, different customs, integration, and even prejudice in Dutch society. Many students also report being uncomfortable being exposed by questions and criticisms of Chinese politics. These tensions could potentially harm the image of the Netherlands in China and affect student inflow. Chinese bachelor’s students perform relatively well in comparison with Dutch and many other international students. A relatively high percentage successfully completes their education and mostly within the nominal study time. In comparison with students from other non-EEA countries the stay rate for employment reasons after graduation is relatively low and continues to drop. Most Chinese students are enrolled in programmes in the field of business, science, and engineering. As a result, most of the graduates who stay find work in financial services, trade, business, communication and hospitality. Only students in technology and science stay relatively less often for employment after graduation. Show less
