GROWING CHINESE INFLUENCE IN THE EU

There is a growing realization in Beijing that China needs strong influence in Brussels. When it comes to international regulation and decision-making, there are three cities in the world that count: Washington, Beijing and Brussels. China and its businesses seek to protect and promote their interests in Europe.

From tracking rulings by the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg to decisions on EU trade policy, Chinese officials and companies are watching closely, learning the EU's acronyms, jargon and working practices, and establishing how best to act.

Whereas once, Chinese companies kept a low profile and relied on the Ministry of Commerce to represent their interests, major corporations such as Huawei, the world's second largest telecoms equipment firm, now have their own public relations teams, and others are following suit. Huawei established its European Public Affairs and Communications Office in Brussels in December 2011 to liaise efficiently with its European partners. Huawei  engages with a broad range of stakeholders at European level. The Brussels Office was created as a hub for two-way communication with European policy makers, industrial stakeholders, think tanks, academics, journalists and all others with an interest in its activities in Europe. Huawei believes it can make a positive contribution to European policies by sharing industry insights in its fields of activity. These cover a wide range of interlinked EU policy areas including information society, economic growth, trade and competition as well as environmental and social protection. Huawei is committed to maximising its contribution to the European economy. It seeks to give access to comprehensive and up-to-date information on its European activities and strategies and is eager to participate in an open dialogue.

Leading Chinese media, including state-run news agency Xinhua, the People's Daily and China Daily, have an expanding presence to keep track of China's widespread involvement with the EU across issues of trade, finance, law and regulation. Xinhua, for example, now has 50 journalists accredited to the EU, more than any other news organization worldwide. The European Regional Bureau of the Xinhua News Agency "Xinhua Europe"  files up-to-date headline news concerning China and Europe, real-time reports on tourism, exhibition and local events, as well as first-hand culture and sports coverage on related activities via text, pictures and videos in three languages--Chinese, English and French.

Even government agencies such as China's aviation authority use public relations and lobbying firms in Brussels, while the Ministry of Commerce acts as an adviser to Chinese companies facing EU trade investigations, helping them to line up the best consultants to lobby for them.

The Chinese Mission to the EU interacts proactively with the European Parliament and the EU-China Friendship Group in particular to build a stronger base of support for China-EU relationship.

 Key EU Stakeholders in Relations with China

1. ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers' Association)
2. APRODEV
3. Austrian federal Chamber of Labour (BAK)
4. Bangalore University
5. Bayer AG
6. BUSINESSEUROPE
7. Capital Eight
8. ESCA (European Community Shipowners' Association)
9. ESF (European Services Forum)
10. EURATEX (European Apparel and Textile Confederation)
11. Eurochambres
12. European Express Association
13. European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC)
14. FIEF (Federation interprofessionnelle d'entreprises francophones)
15. FTA (Foreign Trade Association)
16. Goglio
17. H. Lundbeck A/S
18. Hi Fly Transportes Aeros S.A.
19. IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry)
20. Innerconnect Consulting
21. KGHM Polska Miedz Spolka Akcyjna w Lubinie
22. Mercado da Pedra - Comercio de Rochas Ornamentais Lda
23. National Business Brokers
24. Numeral Advance
25. Oilco Asia Pacific Ltd
26. Opway Group
27. Proton Products Chengdu Ltd
28. Sinoplex Handelgesellschaft m.b.H