Global Neighbours raises its profile in China

Members of the Global Neighbours Board and Advisory Board concluded a three-day visit to Beijing from November 7 to 10. This trip introduced Global Neighbours as an entrepreneurial think-and-do-tank that bridges Europe and Asia, promoting EU–China relations and fostering international cooperation. The visit established and deepened ties between Global Neighbours and Chinese governmental, business, and academic institutions. The delegation also gained insights into recent shifts in China’s policies, economic landscape, and perspectives on bilateral exchanges and international collaboration.

On November 8, Global Neighbours and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) co-hosted a roundtable titled “EU–China Partnership: Shaping the Future Together.” Chairwoman Jovanka Porsche, President Christian Kern, and CPAFFC President Yang Wanming delivered opening remarks, expressing their shared commitment to a stable EU–China relationship amid global challenges. The event brought together prominent Chinese officials, scholars, and business leaders, including Wu Hongbo, Special Representative for European Affairs; former Vice Minister of Finance Zhu Guangyao; Pan Jiang, Director-General at the National Development and Reform Commission; Feng Zhongping, Director at the Institute of European Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Huang Yiping, Dean of the National School of Development at Peking University; and Wang Tong, Vice-President of Xpeng Motors. In their remarks, participants expressed optimism for a constructive EU-China relationship. Global Neighbours Board members also offered perspectives on the current state of bilateral relations, covering topics such as post-U.S. election international dynamics, climate and energy cooperation, and academic exchanges between European and Chinese scholars. Both sides underscored the growing importance of EU–China relations amidst evolving global geopolitics and affirmed Global Neighbours’ vital role as a platform for fostering mutual trust.

Later that afternoon, Global Neighbours visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Great Hall of the People, meeting with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li and NPC Vice-President He Wei. Discussions centered on furthering EU–China relations, with Chinese representatives expressing appreciation for Global Neighbours’ role in promoting exchanges and encouraging future visits to deepen mutual understanding. They also pledged support for Global Neighbours’ ambition to foster friendly cooperation.

On November 9, the delegation met with Wan Gang, former Minister of Science & Technology and current President of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), along with former Ambassador to Austria and Germany Shi Mingde. Wan Gang, known for his essential contributions to China’s electric vehicle industry, engaged with Global Neighbours on electric vehicle innovation, energy transition, and climate change, with both parties agreeing on the need to balance economic growth with international cooperation. Discussions also touched on EU electric vehicle tariffs, with both sides stressing the importance of collaborative solutions for economic and energy security. While economic independence is important, it should not come at the expense of international partnerships. Achieving a balanced economic security and development approach remains crucial for both sides.

That same day, Global Neighbours attended the launch of the “China Think-Tank Network on Europe (CTNE)” at Beijing Foreign Studies University. Global Neighbours President Christian Kern and Secretary-General Philipp Rösler expressed hope for a stable and cooperative EU–China relationship. They presented Global Neighbours’ mission and vision to Chinese officials, scholars, and media representatives.

Christian Kern, Philipp Rösler, and Advisory Board Member Prof. Marcos Troyjo delivered keynote addresses at the 15th Caixin Summit, themed “Seeking Opportunities in an Uneven World,” hosted by Caixin, a Global Neighbours partner. They discussed EU–China economic relations, particularly in new energy cooperation, and addressed international collaboration opportunities amid deglobalization and geopolitical shifts. Following the visit, the Global Neighbours Advisory Board convened in Beijing to outline the 2025 work plan and strategic partnerships.

The delegation for this visit included Advisory Board members Prof. Dr. Herta Däubler-Gmelin, Prof. Dr. Gu Xuewu, Prof. Dr. Eberhard Sandschneider, Prof. Marcos Troyjo, Dr. Xu Feiyu, and Managing Director Oliver Radtke.

This visit to China reinforced Global Neighbours’ partnerships with long-standing collaborators such as CPAFFC and Caixin while establishing new connections with Chinese government agencies, media, and leaders from business and academia. Through extensive event participation and press engagement, Global Neighbours demonstrated its role as a vital bridge for communication and cooperation between Europe and Asia, building pathways for future collaborations.