Stars and dragons

China and Europe are two of the world's most ancient civilisations. They will be two of the most important international actors shaping the 21st century. Of the world population of 6.7 billion people, China accounts for 1.3 billion and the EU 0.5 billion. With India (1.1 billion) and the United States (0.3 billion) the four entities account for just under half of all mankind. The EU's single market is the largest economy in the world. China's economy is number three, but has been growing at a rate of some 10% a year. The US economy is second. China's largest trading partner is the EU. China, the United States and the EU together account for 55% of global emissions of carbon dioxide. The eastern hemisphere is growing faster in terms of economy, population and emissions than the west. As was shown at the Copenhagen climate change conference in 2009, the balance of global power is moving strongly eastwards and southwards. We are moving rapidly towards a multi-polar world, but with key players. Though it will not compete with the US in hard power, the EU aspires to be one of them. That was part of the rationale for the Lisbon Treaty. Without resolving its relationship with China, the EU cannot achieve its aims.