As Beijing prepares to host the Olympics we republish here some articles that have looked at the developing relations between China and the European Union. With a trade relationship that is growing rapidly, the importance of Chinese goods to Europe – and vice versa – is likely to grow as the century develops. In the past MEPs have expressed concern over human rights in China and especially the situation in Tibet which through its leader the Dalai Lama continues to struggle for freedom.

This focus looks at various aspects of the EU's relations with China – the debates in parliament which have forged relations – China's economic power, its impact on energy and climate change and the build-up to the Olympics.