Abstract
This paper assesses the paradox of China’s disputes with Europe on first-generation human rights norms; and its cooperation on second-generation norms. It addresses debates about whether and how China is undermining the liberal international order (Mearsheimer, Keohane. Siu Inboden 2022; Dukalskis 2023; Dai and Lu 2025). I suggest that there is enough overlap between the liberal human rights (and trade) orders that the EU stands for; and the developmentalist human rights (but liberal trade) order that China desires, for strategic cooperation between the EU and China on most human rights issues.
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