The Beijing model meets the Brussels effect
PARIS — For years, Europe and China embodied rival development and energy-transition models. Europe was primarily committed to markets, common rules, and multilateral institutions, whereas China emphasized industrial policy, infrastructure investment, and manufacturing. Europe produced regulations that often became global benchmarks (the “Brussels Effect”). China produced factories. But this…
Europe and China once represented contrasting development and energy-transition models. Europe placed emphasis on markets, shared regulations, and multilateral institutions. In contrast, China prioritized industrial policy, infrastructure development, and manufacturing. Europe's regulations often became global standards (the "Brussels Effect").
Meanwhile, China produced factories. However, this distinction is fading. As Europe strives to rebuild its industrial foundation, China is increasingly focusing on shaping international standards and governance frameworks. European policymakers are studying China's industrial approach, while Chinese leaders are recognizing what Europeans discovered early on: true power lies not only in manufacturing technologies but also in establishing the rules governing them.
These developments illustrate a shift in geopolitical economic influence. The key question is no longer who controls resources, manufactures goods, or leads in specific technologies. Instead, it is who governs the value chains through which the upcoming energy and technological transitions will arise. This is far from a mere connection.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- The Beijing model meets the Brussels effect koreatimes.co.kr
