China’s Image in Europe: How does Europe see us and why?

ASIA FORUM with Li Xin

China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), Beijing

Monday, October 26, 2009, 14:00-15:30

China can be characterized as a developing country, a rising power, an emerging global actor and a prospective superpower. What is, then, China’s image in Europe in relation to these perceptions? This issue may be presented from two perspectives, one that focuses on its economic growth and the other on its emerging political influence. These are demonstrated by two recent examples: the Beijing Olympic torch relay and the public opinion polls released by the Pew Global Attitudes Project. According to empirical evidence from public surveys, China’s image in Europe is not as positive as many would assume. This forum will discuss the reasons for China’s existing image in Europe. Furthermore it will touch upon what image of itself China wants to present for the wider international community, and lastly, the measures China has decided to adopt to implement this policy.

Ms. Li Xin is the Deputy Director of the Department of International Exchanges, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) in Beijing. In her service at CICIR Ms. Li has been responsible for exchange programs and research projects with the United States, South and Southeast Asian nations. She is currently supervising programs in conjunction with European, Middle East and African countries. Currently, Ms. Lin is a guest research at ISDP.

Location: ISDP, Västra Finnbodavägen 2, Stockholm-Nacka. For a map and directions, please go here.

To attend: RSVP to Ms. Martina Klimesova at mklimesova@isdp.eu