International Relations

Dr. ZHANG obtained his Ph.D. from Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain. Prior to joining the Institute of European Studies, he held a series of academic and research positions: Research Assistant at Casa Asia (Barcelona, 2017), Visiting Fellow at the European Institute for Asian Studies (Brussels, 2016), and Visiting Ph.D. Researcher at Central European University (Budapest, 2016). He also has professional experience as a police officer from 2010 to 2011. 

His primary research interests focus on China-EU relations, the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, the EU’s development and humanitarian aid policies. Currently, he is leading and participating in research projects on China-EU-US trilateral relations and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. His academic publications have appeared in a range of prestigious peer-reviewed journals, including Third World Quarterly, Asia-Europe Journal, China Report, The Journal of International Studies and Chinese Journal of European Studies.  

In his spare time, he engages in amateur marathon running, football, hiking and cycling. 

Selected Publications 

1. Zhang Chao, Understanding the European Union: A Study on the Development Aid of the European Union, Social Sciences Academic Press (China), September, 2025. 

2. Zhang Chao, Chen Xiaoning, “European Union’s Infrastructure Aid: Policies, Practices and Challenges” (in Chinese), Guoji Jingji Hezuo (Journal of International Economic Cooperation), Vol. 44, Iss. 1, 2025. 

3. ZHANG Chao, “Fixing China’s Humanitarian Aid Architecture: What Are the Lessons from the European Union and the United States?” Third World Quarterly, Vol. 44, Iss. 6, 2023.  

4. ZHANG Chao, “The Development Aid of Central and Eastern European Countries in the Post-Cold War Era” (in Chinese), Ouya Jingji (Journal of Eurasian Economy), Iss. 1, 2023.  

5. ZHANG Chao, TANG Yuxuan, “The Integration of Environmental Policy in the EU’s Development Cooperation” (in Chinese), Deguo Yanjiu (German Studies), Iss. 4, 2022.   

6. ZHANG Chao, WU Baiyi, “On Overcoming the ‘Oversecuritization Trap’” (in Chinese), Guoji Zhanwang (Global Review), No. 2, 2022.   

7. ZHANG Chao, “China’s Triangular Development Cooperation: Perception and Practices”, China Report, Iss. 2, 2021.  

8. ZHANG Chao, “The EU–China Energy Cooperation: toward a Reciprocal Partnership?”, Asia Europe Journal, Iss. 2, 2021.  

9. ZHANG Chao, “Is China an Aid Superpower”, IDEES, No. 52, 2021.  

10. ZHANG Chao, “The ‘Humanitarian-Development-Peace’ Nexus: The EU’s Policy, Practice and Dilemma” (in Chinese), Ouzhou Yanjiu (Chinese Journal of European Studies), Iss. 6, 2020.  

11. ZHANG Chao, “The EU’s Environmental Aid: Policies and Practices” (in Chinese), Guowai Lilun Dongtai (Foreign Theoretical Trends), Iss. 4, 2019.  

12. ZHANG Chao, “The Development Aid Policies of the European Union and the United States in the Global Context” (in Chinese), Guoji Zhengzhi Yanjiu (The Journal of International Studies), Iss. 4, 2019.