China Spectrum

Background and project goal

China Spektrum strengthens China competence through insight into inner-Chinese debates.

Joint project with the Berlin ThinkTank MERICS on inner-Chinese debates funded by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF).

Despite increasing censorship and attempts by the Communist Party to bring them into line, Chinese intellectuals, academics and entrepreneurs hold different positions with regard to social challenges and China's future development. These debates provide important access for a better understanding of China and the country's positioning on global issues. China Spektrum provides German actors with the knowledge and starting points they have been lacking up to now to engage with these debates and integrate insights into their interaction with China.
 

Approach

China Spektrum prepares scientifically sound discourse analysis on current issues in easy-to-understand, German-language formats. China Spektrum offers a selection and evaluation of the most relevant debates and positions among influential Chinese intellectuals and experts. Chinese-language academic publications and media content are analysed on an ongoing basis for the focus topics "China's vision of the future", "China's digital transformation" and "China's role in the world". The preparation is oriented towards the information needs of German target groups.

Output

In communicating and publishing the results to relevant target groups, China Spektrum can make use of both academic networks and MERICS' tried-and-tested communication platform. The results are published in graphically enriched publications on the MERICS website and communicated via social media and public webinars.

Project duration: 1.1.2022 to 31.12.2023
Project team

Prof. Dr. Kristin Shi-Kupfer - Director

Wutao Wen, M.SC. - Project staff

Jialu Gao M.A. - student project assistant