Presentation at the EU-China Forum, Tsinghua University 2024

Research Presentation at the EU-China Forum, Tsinghua University 2024

By Christian Wagner (Summary of Academic Paper)

Deficits in Information Infrastructure: Barriers to Mutual Understanding between the EU and the People’s Republic of China in a New Era

The current geopolitical landscape is undergoing profound changes, characterized by a shift towards a multipolar world order. In this context, the European Union (EU) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) play pivotal roles with their differing approaches and objectives. While China promotes a vision of global cooperation and economic connectivity through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, the EU increasingly adopts policies of risk minimization and strategic decoupling. These contrasting strategies risk deepening misunderstandings and hindering much-needed collaboration.

Key barriers to mutual understanding lie in deficiencies within the information infrastructures of both regions. European and Chinese perspectives are shaped by cultural, ideological, and historical differences, leading to cognitive dissonance. These discrepancies manifest across various domains, including policymaking, public perceptions, media coverage, and academic discourse.

Western Perceptions and Media Influence

Western perceptions of China are often characterized by generalizations and a lack of expertise. Narratives portraying China as "closed," "repressive," or as an "autocratic system" dominate the discourse. These assumptions frequently rely on outdated or biased information, failing to capture the dynamic nature of China’s development or the complexity of its socialist system with Chinese characteristics. Media play a crucial role in shaping opinions and fostering mutual understanding. However, in many Western countries, coverage is often one-sided, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and ideological biases. Despite efforts by Chinese media such as CGTN and Global Times, China struggles to effectively convey its perspectives internationally. The reasons for this include linguistic and cultural barriers, as well as insufficient strategic adaptation to Western discourse norms.

Deficits in Expert Training and Academic Collaboration

Another major obstacle is the lack of well-trained experts in both regions. Europe faces a shortage of scholars capable of competently analyzing modern Chinese society, politics, and legal systems. Expertise on China is often limited to a few specialized institutions or think tanks, such as MERICS, which frequently adopt politicized stances. On the Chinese side, opportunities for cooperation are hampered by limited access for foreign researchers and inadequate international publication strategies. This dual deficit perpetuates misunderstandings and reinforces misconceptions.

China’s Responsibility in the New Era

In recent years, China has demonstrated its readiness to play a leading role in shaping global processes through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative. This leadership should extend to the social sciences and information dissemination. Transparency about societal and political processes, as well as active promotion of international dialogue, are essential for addressing existing misunderstandings.

Strategies for Improving Mutual Understanding

To overcome these challenges, the study proposes several strategies:

1. Media Cooperation: Closer partnerships between Chinese and European media could enable more objective representations and foster a nuanced understanding of both sides.

2. Academic Collaboration: Joint research centers and exchange programs could promote intercultural dialogue and support the training of competent experts.

3. Investment in Education and Training: Both sides should increase support for educational institutions and think tanks specializing in EU-China relations.

4. Improvement of Information Flow: China, in particular, should focus on multilingual publications and accessible communication strategies to engage Western audiences effectively.

5. Strengthening National Image Building: China should proactively address misconceptions through targeted storytelling and better explain its positions to the global community.

The study highlights that deficits in information infrastructure and mutual misunderstandings represent significant barriers to EU-China cooperation. Improving information systems, fostering expertise, and enhancing media cooperation are crucial steps toward breaking down these barriers. Only through long-term, strategic collaboration can the foundations for sustainable mutual understanding be established, meeting the challenges of a multipolar world order.

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