Rethinking EU-China higher education cooperation in a dynamic global environment

In an era of global challenges and shifting geopolitical landscapes, higher education cooperation between the European Union (EU) and China plays a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and addressing shared concerns related to innovation, sustainability, and global governance. This editorial introduces a special issue examining the evolving dynamics of EU-China collaboration in a changed global environment that is leading to disrupted goals, governance paradoxes, and politicisation of academic exchanges amid global disruptions. It argues that rethinking EU-China cooperation requires addressing these tensions while leveraging opportunities for mutual benefit through strategic and adaptive engagement. The special issue features diverse contributions, such as bibliometric, institutional, and comparative analyses, offering fresh insights into this complex partnership. This editorial synthesises these findings, highlighting the importance of resilience and innovation in rethinking collaboration frameworks. It underscores how the articles propose pathways for sustainable, ethical, and secure academic partnerships, advancing the global discourse on higher education cooperation. Copyright © 2025 European Association for International Education.