Building upon an understanding of the rule of law as an `essentially contested concept’, this insightful book investigates the historical, political, and legal foundations of the Chinese perspectives on the rule of law at both a national and international level. Building upon an understanding of the rule of law as an ‘'essentially contested concept’', this insightful book investigates the historical, political, and legal foundations of the Chinese perspectives on the rule of law at both a national and international level.

In particular, chapters focus on China’s impact on global trade and security governance. These case studies enable conclusions to be drawn regarding China’'s more general perspectives on the international rule of law as a concept. Offering a thorough analysis of EU-China relationships, the book highlights the prospects and challenges for a meaningful dialogue on the rule of law and the international rule of law. In doing so, it illustrates the merits of the rule of law as a concept to engage in meaningful dialogues across a myriad of legal and political systems.

This book will hold particular appeal for students and scholars of Chinese Law, International Law, EU-China Relations, and legal theory. Policy makers will also find this a stimulating read as the work aims to build both academic and policy bridges between the Western and Chinese conceptions on the rule of law at both national and international levels.