Global Neighbours Breakfast Club kicks off with former Chinese Ambassador Shi Mingde and “China’s view on a world in transition”

Global Neighbours launched its new Global Neighbours Breakfast Club on March 31, 2025, with an exclusive morning talk held at its offices in the heart of Vienna. The inaugural event brought together selected guests with one of China’s most renowned diplomats in the German-speaking world, H.E. Ambassador Shi Mingde (ret.). Christian Kern, President of Global Neighbours and former Federal Chancellor of Austria, hosted the event.

Ambassador Shi currently serves as President of the Chinese-German Friendship Association in Beijing and advises the central government on all matters related to the German-speaking region. His distinguished diplomatic career includes posts as Chinese Ambassador to Austria (2010–2012) and Germany (2012–2019). Having studied in the former GDR and witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall firsthand, Ambassador Shi is one of the most knowledgeable long-time observers of German and European politics.

Ambassador Shi shared his latest insights from Beijing, particularly regarding the recently concluded “Two Sessions” — the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. He also offered strategic perspectives on key global players, including the United States, Russia, the European Commission, and the newly elected governments in Austria and Germany.

In the subsequent discussion, participants focused on trade tensions, tariffs on electric vehicles, and the future of industrial cooperation. Additional points included Europe’s technological competitiveness, the challenges of green innovation, and the risks of overreliance on the U.S. market. Geopolitical developments in the Asia-Pacific region, the implications of a potential return to U.S. unilateralism, and Chinese strategic investments in Europe – particularly in infrastructure and the Western Balkans – were also covered. Finally, participants discussed opportunities for deeper cooperation in climate policy and joint engagement in Africa while expressing concern over Europe’s lack of long-term strategic direction.

The event gathered a diverse group of high-level guests from diplomacy, business, media, academia, and politics, celebrating the successful launch of the new Breakfast Club series, which provides exclusive international perspectives on current affairs.

Host: Global Neighbours GmbH/e.V.
Guest: Ambassador Shi Mingde (ret.), Beijing
Date & Venue: March 31, 2025 | Global Neighbours Office, Johannesgasse 15/3/12, 1010 Vienna, Austria