The EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment represents a
significant milestone in the trading and investment relationship of two of the
world’s largest economies. This article examines the key provisions of the
agreement in principle and the changes they would bring for EU investors and
foreign direct investment flows. Additionally, this article analyses the gaps
in the agreement and seeks to shed some light on the possible future direction
of travel in the areas of investment protection and investor-state dispute
settlement. It also assesses whether the provisions on sustainability actually
advance the EU’s value-based trade agenda.