GVI and German FES Foundation Review Report Global Security Initiative and Zeitenwende

On the 19th of April, the Grandview Institution (GVI) and the German Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Foundation jointly held an internal review of the research report “Global Security Initiative and ‘Zeitenwende’”. Member of the research team and Associate Research at the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences - He Zhigao, and the Director of Public Affairs at GVI - Mao Jing, reported the research report together. Professor of Political Science at the Helmut-Schmidt University of the German Bundeswehr - Michael Staak, Researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs - Nadine Godehardt, Director of the European Institute of the Chinese Institute of International Studies - Cui Hongjian, the Deputy Director of the Information and Intelligence Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences - Chen Xin, and the Project Manager of the FES Foundation commented on the research report. The Chief Representative of the FES Foundation’s Beijing Office - Sergio Grassi was the emcee for the meeting.

The research group from the GVI conducted numerous interviews of prominent people from the the Chinese and German political, economic, think tank and media realm. As well as having organized various internal seminars and dialogues in order to take in the opinions and suggestions from a myriad of different experts. This report discusses the concept of Global Security Initiative and ‘Zeitenwende’ from the perspective of China and Germany respectively; analyzed the similarities and differences between the two and put forth policy recommendations for strengthening Sino-German relations in the near future.

The experts from both China and Germany expounded their understanding of Global Security Initiative and ‘Zeitenwende’, as well as made detailed analysis and comments regarding the general framework and the overall content classification of the report. Experts from both sides expressed their belief that although there are ideological differences and differences in positions, the priority should always be seeking common ground, having dialogues, and conducting mutual exchange, because only through ensuring that the communication channels are open, can both China and Germany make more timely adjustment and responses.