Europe’s Artificial Intelligence Governance under External Pressure: Implications for Cooperation with China

Introduction. China and the European Union (EU) have established a robust foundation for international cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), evolving from initial infrastructure-centered projects toward advanced technological innovation. Among these emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a critical frontier technology, commanding the strategic interest of both parties due to its transformative impact on socioeconomic development, global competitiveness and innovation potential. Recognizing complementary strengths, China and the EU aim to further AI cooperation. However, extant AI collaboration is encumbered by several challenges, which should be addressed by corresponding strategies.
Materials and Methods. Consequently, this study adopts two key methods for discussing the issue — critical literature review and case study approach, integrating a literature review of 21 relevant articles (2005−2025) and case analyses of the EU AI Act and EU perceptions of China’s AI rise. Materials covers three dimensions: the BRI and China-EU relations, AI cooperation agreements by China and the EU, and AI industry-university-research (IUR) programs.
Results. Key research findings include: Progress in bilateral policy alignment and IUR projects, existing challenges considering EU internal policy divide, market access barriers, partial technological developmental level, and different innovation priorities, and strategic caution in China-EU tech cooperation marked by the EU’s FDI screening framework, including Russian field, and labeling China as a «systemic competitor.»
Discussion and Conclusion. To conclude, China and the EU should both enhance policy coordination mechanisms, differentiate development strategies, make reciprocal improvements in market access, and intensify joint technological innovation and industry collaboration. These recommendations offer a strategic roadmap to unlock the full potential of China-EU AI cooperation. The thorough analysis of China-EU collaboration in the domain of AI is bound to encompass the China-Russia cases and can meantime serve as a valuable example for the avoidance of risk, the undertaking of joint research endeavors and the enhancement of competitiveness in future AI collaborations between China and Russia.