Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DWARC (Dealing with a Resurgent China)
Période du rapport: 2022-11-01 au 2023-10-31
This consortium recognises the resurgence of China as a top tier great power is changing the world, and the EU needs to develop a long-term approach based on knowledge to engage strategically with the resurgent and increasingly assertive China as well as the global changes unleashed thereby. These changes include the process of selective ‘de-coupling’ and persistent US-China tension. In a speech in 2023, president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, introduced the concept of “de-risking” as guiding theme for Europe’s distinct approach to deal with China.
To assist in further defining the European approach, this consortium brings together some of the best China researchers across seven EU member states to work in a synergetic way to build up a world class independent knowledge base on China in Europe. The members of the consortium engage in critical scientific research, nurture a generation of younger scholars and build up a collaborative network that endures.
The key subjects of the research cover society and culture, politics, economy and foreign policy. Furthermore, this consortium prioritises impact and dissemination for the EU, the corporate world, the media and the wider public across Europe. The building up of independent knowledge on a resurgent China will enable the EU to better deal with it.
To assist in further defining the European approach, this consortium brings together some of the best China researchers across seven EU member states to work in a synergetic way to build up a world class independent knowledge base on China in Europe. The members of the consortium engage in critical scientific research, nurture a generation of younger scholars and build up a collaborative network that endures.
The key subjects of the research cover society and culture, politics, economy and foreign policy. Furthermore, this consortium prioritises impact and dissemination for the EU, the corporate world, the media and the wider public across Europe. The building up of independent knowledge on a resurgent China will enable the EU to better deal with it.
In the first year, the consortium has already performed a large number of activities, including the delivery of publications, podcasts, open, and closed door events for different target groups.
Among the main achievements are numerous policy briefs, as well as the establishment of four databases, providing hard to assemble, but critical information on contemporary China. In addition, the so-called opinion pools, and foresight conference - exercise on the challenges for the future of EU-China relations.
Next to providing an enhanced knowledge base for the different target groups in the EU, the consortium has actively searched the contact with policymakers on the EU, and national levels. The engagement included background briefings and closed door events in Brussels and Berlin.
The project pursues three overarching objectives: 1. Upgrade Europe’s independent knowledge on China, 2. Making recommendations to the European Commission and other European stakeholders, 3. Contribute to building a lasting network of China expertise in Europe. The progress towards the achievement of these objectives made in year 1 and an outlook on the remaining period is presented below. The progress towards the achievement of these objectives during the first year are described in detail in the Technical report part B (narrative).
Among the main achievements are numerous policy briefs, as well as the establishment of four databases, providing hard to assemble, but critical information on contemporary China. In addition, the so-called opinion pools, and foresight conference - exercise on the challenges for the future of EU-China relations.
Next to providing an enhanced knowledge base for the different target groups in the EU, the consortium has actively searched the contact with policymakers on the EU, and national levels. The engagement included background briefings and closed door events in Brussels and Berlin.
The project pursues three overarching objectives: 1. Upgrade Europe’s independent knowledge on China, 2. Making recommendations to the European Commission and other European stakeholders, 3. Contribute to building a lasting network of China expertise in Europe. The progress towards the achievement of these objectives made in year 1 and an outlook on the remaining period is presented below. The progress towards the achievement of these objectives during the first year are described in detail in the Technical report part B (narrative).
In the first year of the project, we achieved the following results were achieved:
- Creation of key databases: We established essential databases containing original data on Chinese state and party documents (WP 3), Chinese economic data (WP 4), and China's global strategies (WP 5). These resources are accessible to all interested parties.
- Advancements in academic research: Each workpackage produced valuable academic articles that contributed to the existing knowledge within their respective fields. While these articles have not been published yet due to the peer-review process, they hold potential for further scholarly contributions.
- Informing policy makers and advisers: Through various events, policy briefs, and podcasts, we aimed to provide insights to policy makers and advisers of the EU and its member states, as well as the broader public. Our goal was to offer a better understanding of China's system, policies, development, and ambitions to aid decision-makers.
- Supporting the business community: We played a role in educating the business community to help them make informed decisions regarding business and investments. This was achieved through policy briefs and closed-door meetings, with a primary focus on business representatives (mainly within WP 4).
- Media engagement: We engaged with the media to provide information and context about significant developments in China and their implications, particularly concerning the EU.
- Website establishment: We established the DWARC webpage (https://chinahorizons.eu/) that offers an overview of project activities and provides access to various project outputs, including policy briefs, databases, podcasts, webinars, and event information.
- Creation of key databases: We established essential databases containing original data on Chinese state and party documents (WP 3), Chinese economic data (WP 4), and China's global strategies (WP 5). These resources are accessible to all interested parties.
- Advancements in academic research: Each workpackage produced valuable academic articles that contributed to the existing knowledge within their respective fields. While these articles have not been published yet due to the peer-review process, they hold potential for further scholarly contributions.
- Informing policy makers and advisers: Through various events, policy briefs, and podcasts, we aimed to provide insights to policy makers and advisers of the EU and its member states, as well as the broader public. Our goal was to offer a better understanding of China's system, policies, development, and ambitions to aid decision-makers.
- Supporting the business community: We played a role in educating the business community to help them make informed decisions regarding business and investments. This was achieved through policy briefs and closed-door meetings, with a primary focus on business representatives (mainly within WP 4).
- Media engagement: We engaged with the media to provide information and context about significant developments in China and their implications, particularly concerning the EU.
- Website establishment: We established the DWARC webpage (https://chinahorizons.eu/) that offers an overview of project activities and provides access to various project outputs, including policy briefs, databases, podcasts, webinars, and event information.