Next winter, Europe is likely to face a challenging time in the energy market, in part due to China’s increased energy demand post-COVID lockdowns. As European countries reduce their dependence on Russian pipeline gas and imports of liquified natural gas, they will face challenges and potential shortages that might impact energy supply security and pricing.

As the war in Ukraine marks its one year anniversary, and with the recent announcement of China’s call for a ceasefire and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, it’s imperative to analyze history and to consider further pathways to peace. Ultimately, China is best positioned to lead the way to the end of the war, and them doing so would be for the betterment of the world.

It’s not in China’s best interests to be trapped in a bilateral tit-for-tat with the United States. We can do better by reaching out constructively to other developed countries. We will win the contest if we can do this.

It is the mission of the think tank to stay on high alert against potential risks and explore possible solutions to challenges. The international system is currently undergoing the most dramatic changes since the end of the Cold War. The peaceful and open international environment, which has been taken for granted over the last four decades, is now overshadowed by formidable challenges. In this context, it is the think tank’s responsibility to explore and identify external security risks that might pose threats to China in the months and years ahead.

The tone of the German chancellor’s recent article in Foreign Affairs is on the dovish side — more positive than negative about China-Germany relations. It clearly shows a desire to improve the relationship. However, no one has the final say in a German government rife with conflicts. Only time will tell.

The race of geopolitical strategies based on infrastructural development abroad is a part of the new great powers rivalry. The so-called geo-economics contest (Luttwak) is the new global battle, a competition through commerce for getting economic advantages at the intersection of investments and loans, contracts opportunities, conquest of more worldwide market share and improvement of own supply chains, with the declared noble aim of contributing to global development.

The notion of decoupling has lost steam across Europe, though some countries are still looking to reduce their dependence on China. How Europe chooses to balance cooperation with competition will be the key as the two sides cooperate in areas of shared interest.

For those European countries still clinging to confrontation, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz provided a wake-up call. As we promote common interests and uphold multilateralism, we are sure to see more pragmatic cooperation in the future.

Scholz’s visit helps set the narrative straight. China and Europe should set their own agenda, without the heavy hand of a third party. They should be guided by their hopes for the future, not their fears.

Sanctions placed on Russia by Europe and the U.S. have only allowed Moscow to continue making money off exports, while simultaneously strengthening its relationship with Beijing.