FutureofEurope-ChinaCollaboration:visitofTsinghuaUniversitydelegationatGlobalNeighbours

On January 22, 2026, Global Neighbours welcomed a research and student delegation from Tsinghua University, led by Dr. Shi Yan, Research Fellow at the Center for International Security and Strategy. As a guest expert, Dr. Harvey Dzodin, Senior Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, participated in the discussions. The delegation’s visit to Europe took place within the framework of a research project focused on China–Europe economic cooperation.

The future of China-Europe cooperation

Discussions focused on the future of China-Europe cooperation against the backdrop of profound transformations in the international order. Dr. Shi Yan recalled that in spring 2014, during his visit to the EU headquarters, President Xi Jinping proposed jointly forging four major China-EU partnerships: peace, growth, reform, and civilization. This strategic vision, it was emphasized, remains unchanged and has gained even greater practical relevance under current global conditions.

It was acknowledged that China-Europe relations are currently less geopolitically strained than China-US relations, creating more favorable conditions for economic and institutional cooperation. China’s strong commitment to a multipolar world order was reaffirmed, with Europe identified as one of the key poles in the multipolar constellation. Strengthening cooperation with Europe within multilateral frameworks was identified as a strategic priority.

Participants agreed on the importance of pragmatic, action-oriented cooperation in areas that are less politicized and deliver tangible results. These include people-to-people contacts, academic exchange, environmental and climate cooperation, and new technologies such as robotics, automation, and the practical implementation of artificial intelligence.

Connectivity was also identified as a crucial field, encompassing transport corridors – particularly the Middle Corridor – as well as digital connectivity. In addition, trilateral cooperation involving Europe and China with third regions such as Africa, Central Asia, and ASEAN was discussed as a promising avenue for reducing geopolitical tensions and advancing shared development goals.

Vienna as a natural bridging city for dialogue and cooperation

The unique role of Austria – and Vienna in particular – was emphasized as an ideal venue for sustained dialogue and cooperation. Austria’s neutrality, Vienna’s role as a host city for numerous international organizations, and its long diplomatic tradition position the city as a natural bridge between regions. Vienna’s global cultural significance, especially in music and the arts, further supports trust-building and people-to-people exchange.

At the same time, Austria’s strong base of innovative and high-technology companies – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises active in sectors such as agriculture, water management, mountain economies, and advanced manufacturing – makes Vienna a natural platform for practical cooperation between Europe and China.

Strengthening cooperation between Global Neighbours and Tsinghua University

The meeting explored concrete opportunities for deepening cooperation between Global Neighbours and Tsinghua University. These include joint initiatives such as a Europe–China–Africa workshop, academic exchanges, and collaborative events. The Chinese delegation invited Global Neighbours to Beijing to develop future dialogue and seminar formats. Both sides also agreed on hosting future Tsinghua University delegations in Vienna.

The visit provided a valuable platform for bridging perspectives, strengthening mutual understanding, and laying the foundation for pragmatic and forward-looking initiatives in Europe-China relations.