Category: ReConnect China event

Europe-China table on state-society relations in China took place on 15 April

The next round of the Europe-China Table took place on 15 April to discuss the changing dynamics in state-society relations in the People’s Republic of China.

 

Summary

Organised by Reconnect China partner IAI – Istituto Affari Internazionali, the online event focused on recent developments in social governance and examine how these, in turn, shape, and are shaped by, state–society relations.

The roundtable discussion used two analytical entry points presented in two keynote speeches: Beatrice Gallelli (IAI & Ca’ Foscari) presented her research on China’s ecological civilisation discourse, explaining its historical origins and evolution in the Chinese political context. The presentation focused on how state-society relations are represented in official discourse regarding ecological civilisation. 

Runya Qiaoan (Palacky University Olomouc & University of Vienna) presented research on social governance in China, focusing on how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) participate in the grid management system. The study highlights an asymmetrical power relationship between NGOs and grid managers, but also noted that some NGOs with substantial cultural, social, or political capital can reverse power dynamics and function as platform users rather than mere components of the system.

Under the professional moderation of Anna Lisa Ahlers (Max Planck Institute) a lively debate engaged on how these two domains can shape the evolving relationship between the state and society.

By situating these practices within their broader political and institutional context, the roundtable aimed to contribute to a balanced understanding of Chinese governance and its international implications.

Discussion Points and Takeaways

The discussion evolved around three themes: 1) how the State under President Xi Jinping envisions State-society relations; 2) How Chinese society reacts to the State’s initiatives; 3) The implications for the EU.

The discussion increasingly focused on the implications of promoting these slogans abroad for the EU. The debate thus centred on the recommendation not to reverberate Chinese slogans, while suggesting the development of an alternative language and concept to represent human-nature relationships.

The debate critically looked at the role of the Chinese Communist Party in grid management, explaining how Party cells are embedded in various organisations, including private companies and NGOs. Runya Qiaoan described how NGOs must align their work with Party priorities, and the rules they have to abide by. She acknowledged some paradoxes in the system, including instances where grid managers might fabricate reports or create minor issues to meet work requirements.

The roundtable discussion also focused on AI governance and national innovation systems in China, with participants examining how domestic actors are becoming more interconnected while international actors are becoming more distant. The conversation also touched on China’s dual positioning as a developing country while leading in green technology, with Beatrice Gallelli explaining the deeper meaning attached to the “developing country” status in Chinese official narrative, which conjoins the distinction between developing status and technological leadership.

The discussion brought the following takeaways:

  • Avoid mimicry and develop autonomous narratives: A critical recommendation for the EU is to refrain from adopting or repeating Chinese political slogans in bilateral or multilateral forums. Doing so can inadvertently validate the CCP’s governance model. At the same time, the EU should invest in and promote its own conceptual framework and strategic narratives, especially regarding human-nature relationships.
  • Recognise the “developing leader” paradox: China has maintained its “developing country” status, although it leads in green technology. The EU must reconcile this duality in trade and climate negotiations, recognising that for Beijing, the “developing” status is a permanent political identity rather than a temporary economic stage.
  • Understand how the Chinese State manages society: this is vital for EU entities (NGOs, businesses and academic institutions) operating on the ground.
  • Learn from the changing innovation landscape: in the innovation system, domestic Chinese actors are becoming more interconnected, also in response to international circumstances. This should also lead the EU to learn from China’s best practices in this field.

 

You can find more information on our website about the series of the Reconnect China roundtables.

 

Europe-China CCUS Workshop successfully held in Beijing

On 31st March, the Europe-China CCUS Workshop took place in Beijing (East Bay International Centre) under the auspices of Reconnect China partner Innovation Norway.

The workshop provided a forum for experts from diverse organisations to engage in a constructive and valuable discussion around topical issues on CCUS policies between Europe and China.

The meeting started with the welcome address by Mr Henning Kristoffersen (Country Director of Innovation Norway China & Commercial Counsellor of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beijing), followed by Mr Peng Gao‘s (Senior Commercial Officer of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beijing) presentation of the Reconnect China project.

The thematic discussions were kicked off by a presentation on global CCUS development and international collaboration held by Prof Tao Yang (Yungu Professor, Westlake University), with presentations on EU-China CCUS cooperation and development (Mr Jiutian Zhang, Executive Director of Green Development Institute), on European and Chinese CCUS financing experiences (Prof Xi Liang, Co-founder and Secretary General of the UK-China CCUS Centre) and on compliance assurance for CO2 offshore strategy (Mr Yuan Guo, H2 & CCS Lead of DNV Energy Systems China) rounding up the first part of the meeting.

After the coffee break, the audience could delve deeper into current CCUS aspects, such as green design (Mr Bi Shuli, Assistant Director of World Green Design Organisation), the collaboration between the EU and China on CCUS (Mr Zhonghua Xu, Chair of the Chamber Energy Working Group), the challenges for CO2 capture technology in China (Prof Lin Gao, Researcher of Huairou Laboratory) or the next-generation climate technologies (Mr. Lü Xuedu, Senior Advisor at the Asian Development Bank).

Ms Helika Jürgenson from the EU IPR Help Desk in China also delivered a presentation on IPR issues.  As visible from the interest around IPR, the relevant stakeholders within this knowledge-intensive industry need further support guidance on IPR from expert organisations.

A general discussion and Q&A session closed the interactive meeting where the plan for a CCUS event in Oslo in the second half of 2026 was also discussed.

The results of the workshop will feed into upcoming scientific publications (policy brief) of the Reconnect China project.

 

 

Workshop on de-dollarisation and the rise of the RMB

In a joint effort between Reconnect China, the Dutch China Knowledge Network (CKN) and the China Europe Research Network (CHERN) an expert round table on De-dollarisation and the Rise of the RMB was held at the NL Permanent Representation on 10 March 2026.
In an engaging and productive debate between top academics like Johannes Petry (Goethe University Frankfurt) and Jens Van´t Klooster (University of Amsterdam) the question on how the EU should adapt to the newest monetary developments was discussed. One of the options presented is a new intergovernmental Euro Internationalisation Strategy Forum to co-ordinate trade and financial policy in support of the political aim of internationalizing the Euro.
In addition to academic experts, the workshop was attended by around 20 people, among them officials from DG FISMA (internationalisartion of the Euro desk) and DG ECFIN (China desk), the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance of The Netherlands,  as well as from advocacy group Positive Money.

EU-China IPR workshop successfully held in Beijing

Innovation Norway, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in China, the China IP SME Helpdesk and European Union Chamber of Commerce in China jointly organised the EU-China IPR Workshop within the ReConnect China project in Beijing on 28 January 2026. The event focused on IPR in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), bringing together representatives from European institutions in China, international organisations, industry associations, professional service providers, and enterprises for an engaging knowledge exchange and intriguing discussion.

 

Reconnect China WP leaders deliver the opening address and introduce the project

The workshop was kicked off by the keynote speech of Mr Henning Kristoffersen, Commercial Counsellor at the Norwegian Embassy in China and Head of Innovation Norway in China, who stated that intellectual property serves as a crucial pillar for advancing innovation cooperation and sustainable development. He emphasised the need to continuously strengthen international exchanges and mutual trust-based collaboration.

Afterwards, Dr Gao Peng, Senior Commercial Officer for China at Innovation Norway and leader of WP1 of the Reconnect China project, outlined the background and objectives of the ReConnect China project. In 2026, WP1 will focus on hosting IPR and CCUS seminars, submitting multiple policy briefs and progress reports to advance key project objectives. Dr Gao Peng emphasised that the project will continue to establish a knowledge exchange platform for innovation cooperation between China and Europe.

 

Thematic sessions focus on IP practice experience in the AI era

After the introduction of the project, the workshop continued with thematic knowledge sharing sessions where Ms Helika Jürgenson, Project Manager of the EU-China IPR SME Helpdesk, outlined the platform’s services and enterprise support framework.

Mr Stephen Yang, Patent Agent and Managing Partner at IP March, delivered a presentation titled ‘The Role of Intellectual Property in Innovation During the AI Era,’ sharing strategies for intellectual property protection against the backdrop of rapid AI technological advancement.

Mr Paul Ranjard, representing the European Chamber of Commerce’s Intellectual Property Rights Working Group (IPR WG), shared practical insights on IP challenges faced by foreign enterprises in China and offered recommendations for corporate compliance and risk management.

Mr Yan Chunhui, Partner at Zhong Lun Law Firm, held a thematic presentation titled ‘Current Status and Outlook for Protection of Technology-Related Intellectual Property Rights in China’. He systematically outlined China’s institutional framework for protecting technology-related IP, with a specific focus on the pharmaceutical sector.

Mr Lv Guoliang, former Deputy Director of the WIPO China Office, and Mr Mr Ni Hao, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Beijing Intellectual Property Protection Association shared further insights on China’s intellectual property development.

In-depth discussions and interactions fostered exchange and cooperation

The workshop ended with a discussion session that resulted in practical policy proposals to the European Union included in the ReConnect China project report.  Key issues such as cross-border IP dispute resolution mechanisms and risk prevention for SMEs were addressed. Moving forward, all parties from China and Europe will continue to leverage such exchange platforms to deepen collaboration in the intellectual property domain.

 

 

 

‘Rebalancing EU-China relations in an age of global turmoil’ conference held in the Hague

ReConnect China Conference: Rebalancing EU-China relations in an age of global turmoil

On 9 October, the Clingendael Institute hosted the ReConnect China Conference in The Hague, titled ‘Rebalancing EU-China relations in an age of global turmoil’. The conference brought together more than 190 leading experts, policymakers and analysts to explore the future of Europe–China relations.

Panel discussions addressed themes such as rebalancing EU–China relations in an age of global turmoil, EU–China narratives, the green transition and clean tech, doing China research, and an interactive policy-scenario workshop. The Dutch China Knowledge Network also moderated a dedicated session on strengthening Europe’s China expertise.

The conference featured prominent speakers including Jorge Toledo, EU Ambassador to China; Joanna Szychowska, DG Trade European Commission, Dominic Porter, EEAS; Noah Barkin, Rhodium Group; Elena Suarez, Business Europe; Raoul Bunskoek, Clingendael Institute, Manya Koetse, What’s on Weibo; Miriam Tardell, Swedish National China Centre; and Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post.

Source: EEAS

 

To check the livestream, see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUbLfcyNCgg

To find the full programme, see below and the following link: https://www.clingendael.org/event/reconnect-china-conference-2025

 

More about the conference:

In today’s shifting geopolitical landscape, the relationship between the European Union and China is marked by complexity and constant evolution. As the EU navigates its position on the global stage, a fundamental question arises: how should it engage with China? Should the EU update its three-part strategy of viewing China as a partner, a competitor, and systemic rival?

Amid accelerating global change, it is essential for the EU to recalibrate its external relations. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic EU-China relations. As Von der Leyen stated in Davos 2025, “It is time to pursue a more balanced relationship with China”. What does this new balance mean for Europe, and how should we achieve it?

To explore these questions further, the Clingendael Institute organised the ReConnect China Conference 2025: Rebalancing EU-China Relations in an Age of Global Turmoil in collaboration with the ReConnect China consortium.

 

Programme

The plenary sessions was livestreamed on YouTube. The parallel sessions are closed.

09:00 – 09:15 | Welcome

09:15 – 10:30 | Introductory Panel ‘Rebalancing EU-China relations in an age of global turmoil’

  • Jorge Toledo, Ambassador European Union in China
  • Joanna Szychowska, Director, Asia (I), Services and Digital Trade, Investment and Intellectual Property, DG Trade European Commission
  • Elena Suarez, Senior Advisor BusinessEurope
  • Mario Esteban, Senior Fellow, Elcano Royal Institute
  • Moderator – Ties Dams, Senior Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute

10:30 – 10:45 | Coffee and tea break

 

10:45 – 12:15 | Breakout Sessions (NO LIVESTREAM)

Subpanel 1: China EU narratives (Past, Present and Future)

  • Ties Dams, Senior Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute
  • Ingrid D’Hooghe, Senior Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute
  • Aurelio Insisa, Senior Research Fellow, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI)
  • Manya Koetse, Founder & Editor, What’s on Weibo

Subpanel 2: Clean Tech and the Energy Transition

  • Chen Gang, Senior Research Fellow, National University of Singapore
  • John Seaman, Research Fellow, IFRI
  • Hannah Lentschig, Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute
  • Han ten Broeke, Chief of Staff, Cabinet of EU Commissioner Hoekstra

12:15 – 13:15 | Lunch

 

13:15 – 14:30 | Plenary Session ‘How to strengthen European China Knowledge?’

  • Raoul Bunskoek, Senior Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute
  • Miriam Tardell, Head of Section, Swedish National China Centre
  • Marc Moquette, Knowledge Envoy, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Grzegorz Stec, Head of Brussels Office/Senior Analyst, MERICS
  • Moderator – Floris Harm, Executive Director, Leiden Asia Centre

14:30 – 14:45 | Coffee and tea break

 

14:45 – 16:00 | Breakout Sessions (NO LIVESTREAM)

Subpanel 1: How to do Research on China in 2025?

  • Vincent Brussee, PhD Candidate, Leiden University
  • Sense Hofstede, Research Associate, Clingendael Institute
  • Laura de Giorgi, Professor in History of Modern and Contemporary China, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
  • Miriam Tardell, Head of Section, Swedish National China Centre
  • Christian Göbel, Professor of Modern China Studies, Universität Wien

Subpanel 2: Policy Scenario Workshop – EU-China Future

  • Chiara Schrader, Researcher, Clingendael Institute
  • Liam Klein, Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute

16:00 – 16:15 | Coffee and tea break

 

16:15 – 17:30 Closing Session ‘The Future of EU-China Relations’

  • Noah Barkin, Senior Advisor, Rhodium Group
  • Dominic Porter, Head of Division, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Mongolia, European External Action Service (EEAS)
  • Xiaoxue Martin, Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute
  • Moderator – Finbarr Bermingham, Chief Europe Correspondent, South China Morning Post

17:30 | Network drinks

18:30 | End of conference

 

Research from ReConnect China at the EU-SPRI and ENTRANCE conferences in Germany

Research results from our work area on EU-China cooperation in science, technology and innovation were presented in two conferences in Germany before the summer. Philipp Brugner from our partner ZSI delivered these presentations, drawing on the work done with his colleague Gábor Szüdi in their trans-European survey on research security in the cooperation with China, which was implemented on behalf of the ReConnect China project between May 2024 and January 2025.

At the EU-SPRI annual conference 2025 at the Technical University Dortmund (11-13 June 2025), Philipp took part in the session titled “From (in)dependence towards resilience: tensions and synergies between open strategic autonomy and transformative research and innovation policies” and presented the survey findings in the light of the EU’s open strategic autonomy discussions.

Only a few days later, at the ENTRANCE conference “Lessons Learned: Navigating Experiences from Sino-European Cooperation for Future Global Engagements” (7-8 July 2025), Philipp participated in the concluding panel discussion and gave an outlook on potential recommendations for future EU-China cooperation in R&I derived from the policy brief written by ZSI.

The consolidated findings of ZSI’s research will be published in the forthcoming Routledge International Handbook of Research Security (2026). A first glimpse into the handbook’s content is available through Routledge.

(featured image von Alexandre Pellaes auf Unsplash)

 

Announcing first keynote speakers and topics of the 2025 ReConnect China conference

We are happy to announce a first update on the forthcoming 2nd Europe-China Knowledge Forum (conference) hosted by our partner Clingendael Institute in The Hague, Netherlands. The conference takes place on October 9 and is jointly organised between the ReConnect China consortium, Clingendael Institute and the Dutch China Knowledge Network.

Under the title “Rebalancing EU-China Relations in an Age of Global Turmoil” we will discuss the EU’s relationship towards China in the light of recent developments and important milestones that have shaped it since the past few years.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic EU-China relations (in May our project already co-organised a high-level symposium to celebrate this anniversary). As European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen stated in January in Davos, “It is time to pursue a more balanced relationship with China” or as the President of the European Council, António Costa, stated in July during the EU-China summit in Beijing “We are committed to deepening our bilateral partnership and pursuing constructive and stable relations, anchored in respect for the rules-based international order, balanced engagement and reciprocity”

So what does this new balance mean for Europe, and how should we achieve it? And how can the EU ensure that the bilateral partnership aligns to rules-based international order and mutual benefit?

These and similar questions will be discussed during our conference, for which the following keynote speakers have already been confirmed.

  • EU Ambassador to China H.E. Jorge Toledo (digital)
  • Maria Martin-Prat, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General Trade at the European Commission
  • Dominic Porter, Head of Division, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Mongolia, European External Action Service

Visit the Clingendael website for more information on the conference and further updates!

Roundtable discussion in Groningen: “EU-China economic relations – exploring connections between words and deeds”

On November 22, the Centre for East Asian Studies at the University of Groningen successfully held a discussion roundtable as part of the ReConnect China project. The event took place in Groningen, the Netherlands, and consisted of two panels.

Frank Gaenssmantel (Groningen University)

The morning panel focused on discourse in EU-China relations, exploring how statements by public authorities or private entities on social media or in media outlets relate to and shape economic interaction. The afternoon panel focused on the current state of EU-China economic relations, and on policy directions for the EU. The morning panel featured the following presenters: Cristina Pinna (University of Groningen), Bart Dessein (Ghent University), Joost Herman (University of Nottingham Ningbo), and Frank Gaenssmantel (University of Groningen). The afternoon panel featured the following presenter: Ding Chun (Center for European Studies at Fudan University), Martin Albers (State of Hamburg, presenting his own views), Lukas Linsi (University of Groningen), Françoise Nicolas (IFRI Center for Asian Studies), and Lin Goethals (European Institute for Asian Studies). 

The agenda of the day is attached in the following link: CEASG-ReConnect China Roundtable 22 November

ReConnect China Roundtable at the 25th Biennial Conference of the European Association for Chinese Studies

Key achievements of ReConnect China research at Europe’s main scientific conference on China

From 27 to 30 August 2024, the ‘European Association for Chinese Studies’ held its 25th Biennial Conference in Tallinn, Estonia. Our project was present with a roundtable discussing the key research outputs of the project realised so far.

Outi Luova (University of Tartu), Jasper Roctus (UGent/Egmont), Bart Dessein (UGent/Egmont), and Beatrice Gallelli (University Ca’Foscari/Istito Affari Internationali) took part in the roundtable on behalf of ReConnect China. Beatrice Gallelli also moderated the roundtable. With an audience of academics and think tankers in the field of China studies, discussions developed based on the policy briefs that are the main outcome of the research done within our consortium. In particular, with some of the authors of the policy briefs and members of Work Package 6 (Measures to Maximise Impact) being present, the discussions developed on issues related to the Chinese economy, China’s international relations, China’s domestic policies, research and development, scientific cooperation, and outreach to civil society with emphasis on European youth.

While for the last topic, the ‘ReConnect China’ consortium has developed MOOCs on Chinese Politics and Society, EU-China Relations, the Chinese Economy, and Chinese Popular Culture, the panelists, in their statements, especially drew on the policy briefs ‘Knowledge and Perception of Research Security’ and ‘Policy Recommendations on EU-China STI Cooperation in the big Data-related Scientific Fields’ (ZSI), ‘Geopolitical Narratives Are Counterproductive’ (Elcano and IAI), ‘Navigating EU-China Investment Dynamics: Safeguarding Technological Know-How while fostering Cooperation’ (IAI), and ‘‘Remonstrating’ or the Art of Forging Relations’ (Egmont).

from left to right: Outi Louva, Bart Dessein, Jasper Roctus, Beatrice Gallelli

CEASG hosts ReConnect Roundtable on EU-China relations at the University of Groningen

On November 24, the Centre for East Asian Studies Groningen (CEASG) at the University of Groningen, a partner in ReConnect China hosted a roundtable discussion titled “European Union and China after Covid-19: Derisking, decoupling, or doubling down?” focusing on the evolving dynamics of EU-China relations.

The event brought together experts and practitioners from academia, government and the private sector to share their insights on various aspects of EU-China relations, especially regarding economic ties. Organisers on behalf of CEASG were Dr. Laurens Hemminga, prof. Dr. Tjalling Halbertsma and prof. Dr. Jan van der Harst, who are researchers in the ReConnect China project.

The following experts took part in the roundtable: Mr. Joris Teer, Dr. Herman Voogsgeerd, Dr. Lukas Linsi, Prof. Dr. Bart Dessein, Mr. Yue Wang, Dr. Frank Gaenssmantel, Dr. Frans-Paul van der Putten, Dr. Cristina Pinna, Ms. Lin Goethals, Ms. Floriske Deutman and Dr. Gerdien Meijerink.

The day yielded fruitful insights on how to move forward in EU-China relations. The CEASG team aims to develop these insights further in a follow-up discussion in 2024 and to produce a policy brief based on the findings of these discussions.