China and Asia-Europe Cooperation

Even though relations between Asia and Europe remained largely unexplored during most part of the period following the Second World War, the end of the Cold War has created con-ditions for better relations between the two. The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) provides the most important basis for cooperation between the two continents. China is taking keen interest in this regard by initiating steps towards deepening the Asia-Europe partnership, thanks to globalization. From a Chinese perspective, the cooperation promotes its own economic reforms programme. Asia-Europe cooperation also facilitates the security dialogue between ASEAN-EU and China. That the US at times becomes a factor in affecting China-EU relations is a matter of concern for both the sides. An important area of cooperation relates to the estab-lishment of a new multipolar international order.