The 56th Youth Academic Workshop on International Studies of Fudan University (YAWIS Fudan) was held on 24 May 2023 in the conference room of the Center for Japanese Studies. The theme of the workshop was “The Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Sino-European Relations”. The presentation was delivered by Professor Maximilian Mayer of the Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) at the University of Bonn, Germany, moderated by Professor Cai Cuihong of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, and commented by Associate Professor Jian Junbo, deputy director of the Center for China-Europe Relations. More than 30 students and faculty members from the Institute of International Studies and the School of International Relations and Public Affairs of Fudan University attended the workshop.
Professor Mayer first introduced the interdisciplinary approach to the study of the politics of technology and infrastructure; he then explained Europe’s concerns about its external dependence in terms of energy, digital technology and supply chains, noting that European perception of China’s role has changed because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, andstressed that there is a risk that this negative perception will translate into actual policies. Finally, Professor Mayer summarised some of the current difficulties in Sino-European relations and shared his views on the priorities for the future development of China-EU relations.
In the discussion session, Prof. Jian Junbo had an in-depth exchange with Prof. Mayer on the drivers of European perception of China and shared his views on the focus for improving Sino-European cooperation.
Students and faculty members attending the workshop had a lively discussion with Prof. Mayer during the Q&A session on the EU’s China policy, European investment relocation, and European perceptions of China's three major initiatives. Prof. Cai Cuihong gave the closing remarks.
