China’s Global Power Push: Democratic Vulnerability and Economic Dependence

An event co-organized by Asia Society, European Council on Foreign Relations, Central European University Democracy Institute, and Political Capital Institute 

Date: 2 November 2026, 17:30-19:00 CET

Venue: CEU, 1051 Budapest, Nádor u. 15.

Language: English (without translation)

With China responsible for close to 30% of global manufacturing with a trade surplus on track to pass USD 1 trillion for the second year in a row, countries around the world are growing wary of China's export-led economy and the ramifications it might have on local manufacturing ecosystems and employment in the medium to long-term. In parallel to this economic footprint, China is positioning itself as a global leader in contrast to the United States in the second Trump presidency, offering a purportedly more stable and more respectful alternative to an American global order through initiatives including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and President Xi Jinping's Global Development, Civilization, Security, and Governance Initiatives. 

As talk of a 'China Shock 2.0' gains traction in capitals across Europe and the world, this panel discussion will assess the state of China's current global economic and geopolitical position looking at how countries around the world are responding both in terms of strengthening their own democratic and economic resilience, and by working with other like-minded partners to better navigate the risks posed by China. The panel discussion with China experts from Europe, East Asia and North America will address topics including:

• How might countries ensure stable economic security in an age of weaponized supply chains and trade wars?
• How should economies respond to the promises and risks presented by China's innovative and cutting-edge technologies (e.g. electric vehicles, solar panels, and batteries)?
• How might China's relationship with Russia and its material support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine impact the Sino-EU relationship?
• What extent does the United States' global posture under President Trump strengthen China's hand in its dealings with the rest of the world?

Speakers

François Godemen – Special Advisor and Resident Senior Fellow U.S. and Asia, Institut Montaigne

Pascale Massot – Associate Professor in the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa

Yukyung Yeo – Professor, Kyung Hee University

  Moderator: Evan Medeiros, – Penner Family Chair in Asian Studies; Cling Family Senior Fellow in U.S.-   China Relations, Georgetown University

The event is free, but registration is required, so please do it at the following link: https://forms.gle/7Yv7CUydFfM9efqg6