Socialization through Interregional Relations:EU’s Normative Power in its Dialogue with China ; Socialisation par le biais de relations interregionales: Le pouvoir normatif européen dans sa relation avec la Chine

editorial reviewed ; This paper seeks to comprehend EU foreign policy toward China based on the analysis its normative power application vis-à-vis China. It aims to reach an explanation beyond the current understanding of the systemic rivalry as an answer to China rise driven by international system or member states politico-economic concerns. This research offers new insights on foreign policy outcome by considering it through the lens of socialization. Relying on discourse analysis of EU policy paper and EU-China summits and desk research, it offers useful insights to understand EU’s multifaceted approach toward China. Furthermore, considering systemic rivalry genesis rely in EU-China strategic partnership enlighten key elements of EC foreign policy construction study.