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.

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.

Members of the European Union have not taken kindly to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which tilts the business playing field against them. Subsidies are encouraging some businesses to move their operations to North America, and the political heat is palpable.

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.

As one of America’s key European allies, Germany is exploring its own version of strategic autonomy — a low-profile and pragmatic version — not only for itself but also on behalf of Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent trip to China was a notable touchstone.

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.

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.