Ambition, or “the heart for moving upward and forward” (shangjinxin), is widely regarded as an unquestionable virtue in China. This perception of ambition, however, is relatively new for non-elite Chinese. In the talk, Xiang Biao will examine why the desire for self-improvement is causing widespread feelings of powerlessness in China, especially among youths. Underlying the […]
The Third Plenum usually sets the tone for China’s economic policies for the following five years. The high-ranking meeting should have taken place in November 2023, but was postponed several times for unknown reasons. As of now the plenum is set to take place in July. Since shortly after the end of the zero Covid […]
Chinese and African leaders will gather in Beijing during the first week of September for the triennial Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit. This year's event comes at a pivotal time for stakeholders on all sides, amid heightened great power competition, China's slowing economy, and intense challenges brought on by climate change, among other issues. […]
What happens when China becomes the established, stable, dominant power in Eurasia? Australia's former ambassador to China Geoff Raby takes the reader on a journey across Eurasia to understand the forces shaping its geopolitics. The analysis is enriched by Raby's own travel stories, experiences and adventures into the fabric of his narrative. Great Game On is the […]
Embassy of Poland
1 Ritan Rd, Beijing, Chaoyang Park, China
The FCCC's Summer Party returns to the Polish embassy - and this year we have access to the outdoor pool! You can expect BBQ (veggie options included), ice cream, drinks, music and a magician. Bring your swimming gear and invite your nearest and dearest. Children are most welcome. September 18th midnight: Ticketing ends. No refunds […]
In 1971, Americans made two historic visits to China that would transform relations between the two countries. One was by US official Henry Kissinger; the other, earlier, visit was by the US table tennis team. Historians have pored over the transcripts of Kissinger's negotiations with Chinese leaders. However, they have overlooked how, alongside these diplomatic […]
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party will elect its new leader on September 27. This leader will become the Prime Minister and will likely call for an early election of the lower house of the legislature. With the largest opposition party also holding its leadership race, Japan's politics is entering a period of significant change. Who […]
Confidential Bar
朝阳区苹果社区二十二院街艺术区32号院, Beijing, Beijing, China
Guitarist from legendary band Tang Dynasty and cultural observer, Kaiser Kuo unpacks the impact of music on China’s youth. How did Beijing become a rock city? How has guitar music become the soundtrack of a culture in transition? And what is going on with the rock scene today? Known for his writing on all things […]
Pope Francis’ visit to Asia last month marks his second trip to the region in barely two years. A growing attention that points, at least partially, at China and the ties between The Vatican and the CCP. With their historic agreement up for renewal this October, Dr. Michel Chambon will help us better understand the […]
This month, Russian President Vladimir Putin will host the first-ever summit of BRICS+ from October 22 to 24 in Kazan. With the addition of new members the BRIC group will be more globally representative - but also face more internal divisions. Together with Eva Seiwert, expert on Chinese foreign policy, we will unpack the upcoming […]
The Zhuhai Airshow takes place this year from November 12-17. The airshow is the largest aviation and military trade expo in all of China and provides a rare glimpse of China's home-grown military hardware. Together with military expert Sheu Jyh-Shyang we will unpack this year’s Zhuhai Airshow: Which new weapon systems China may unveil, what […]
US-China relations have gone from bad to worse over the past few years. The American government introduced ever new tech sanctions and tariffs. Now everybody is asking if under the new administration things might get even worse or if we could be in for a slow normalization of bilateral relations. Scott Kennedy will help to […]
