Webinar on The Role of the EU and China in a Global Security Dilemma

Hosted by the Institute for China-Europe Studies (ICES)

Please note that views expressed by the speakers do not reflect the policies or positions of the ICES.

As part of the Institute for China-Europe Studies’ (ICES) new dialogue series, titled ICES Dialogues: 50 Years of EU-China Relations, ICES hosted a webinar on the evening of June 26, 2025, to explore the role of the EU and China in the current international security landscape.

Amid global disorder and geopolitical shifts, the EU is facing growing pressure to reassess its security agenda while balancing relations with China and the US. Ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, underscore the urgency of addressing emerging threats, including economic insecurity and traditional defence capabilities. In this context, China and the EU play key roles in preventing conflict escalation and fostering stability.
The webinar was introduced by Mr. YANG Li, Executive Director of ICES, and moderated by Ms. Isabell RAUE, Research Assistant at ICES. The panel featured scholars and academic experts from China and Europe:

Prof. Dr. CUI Hongjian, Professor, Academy of Regional and Global Governance & Director, Center for the EU and Regional Development Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)

Dr. Tim RÜHLIG, Senior Analyst for Global China, European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS)

Prof. Dr. Xuewu GU, Chair in International Relations, University of Bonn & Director, Center for Global Studies Bonn (CGS)

The panellists explored perceptions of European and Chinese security, the drivers of securitisation in a multipolar world, evolving NATO dynamics, and vulnerabilities within the EU's security framework. Key challenges, such as a lack of trust, regional crises, and the rise of populist movements, were emphasised. Despite looking into structural asymmetries in the EU and China’s approaches to global security, the discussion also identified areas of common ground and opportunities for joint efforts to address shared security concerns.

We extend our sincere thanks to the speakers for their insightful contributions and to our engaged audience for their participation.

If you were unable to follow the discussion live, we invite you to watch the full recording above.