'System friction' in China-EU economic relations and the reaction of the EU.

In the period between 2015 and 2020, we have witnessed an increase in 'system friction' in the trade and investment relations between the EU and the People's Republic of China (PRC). This paper focuses on the meaning of this notion of 'system friction', originally coined by Sylvia Ostry and on how the EU and especially the European Commission reacted to this friction. This notion might present an alternative to the notion of 'system rivalry'. The result of system friction in the relation between the EU and the PRC had been a convergence towards more trade defensive moves. A form of managed trade with help of a ratified Investment treaty between the two sides might be a potential outcome.