It's been described as one of the most important international partnerships in the world and one that some say is about to undergo considerable change. China's relations with the EU is likely to be significantly impacted in 2010 as Brussels continues to transform the way it operates as a result of the Lisbon Treaty, which came into force at the end of last year. CRI's Dominic Swire looks into what this could mean for China-EU ties over the next 12 months.

The Spanish Ambassador to China Carlos Blasco Villa (L) and Serge Abou, head of the EU's Delegation to China (R), share a few words prior to a press conference at the Spanish Embassy in Beijing on Tuesday 26 January 2010. Spain holds the EU rotating presidency for the first half of 2010. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Dominic Swire]

The Lisbon Treaty represents a massive reorganization of how the European Union operates, most notably within the area of foreign affairs, and this is likely to significantly impact the bloc's relationship with China.

The most visible change of the new legislation is the creation of two top posts of a permanent president and chief of foreign policy. The first of these has gone to ex-Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy, with former EU Trade Commissioner, Catherine Ashton from the UK landing the other spot.

The idea behind the changes is to make communication with the 27-member bloc clearer, more effective and to increase the EU's voice on the world stage. Serge Abou head of the EU's Delegation to China, certainly thinks communication between Beijing and Brussels will be improved as a result of the changes – but he believes this will depend heavily on China's reaction to the new relationship.

"My perception is that we will be more efficient – but you are not obliged to trust me. The proof will be in the pudding. We'll be more consistent, more clear, have a better general view, but it takes two to tango."

Clearly both the EU and Brussels have a lot riding on a successful partnership. The EU is China's biggest trading partner, and China is the EU's largest source of imported goods. Between them both sides generated well over 300 billion euros worth of trade in 2008.

However both are also embroiled in a number of high profile trade disputes, which some fear could be exacerbated now the EU has increased confidence on the world stage as a result of the Lisbon Treaty.

Dr Razeen Sally is a senior lecturer at the London School of Economics and an expert on the EU's trading relations with Asia.

"What might happen with a more important role for the European Parliament in trade negotiations is that the EU might insist more strongly than has done to date on including these none trade issues and linking them to trade issues. Now, of course, china is going to resist such linkage, say between trade and human rights, as it has done before, and this might be a cause of extra tension in the bilateral relationship."

Exactly how the Lisbon Treaty will effect the EU's relations with China is still up in the air, but it seems likely 2010 will be a turbulent year for both sides.

For Beijing Hour, this is Dominic Swire.