Why China is Watching the War in Ukraine

At the end of 2022, the Communist Party of China (CCP) will hold its 20th Party Congress in Beijing. This provides ample reason for President Xi Jinping to extend his “zero-COVID policy” and keep China closed to foreigners for another year. “Self-reliance” and “growth driven by domestic consumption” are increasingly becoming the mantras of China’s new economic policy. In the face of major domestic challenges – a slowing economy, an unbalanced property market, water shortages, shrinking farmland and an ageing population – Xi Jinping will not tolerate any instability that may jeopardize his ambition to stay in power for at least another five years. 
 
Meanwhile, the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are likely to be felt in Western Europe and East Asia for years to come. Will Russia and the rest of Europe maintain their energy trade? A complete break-up would cause a deep recession on both sides, resulting in social and political unrest. Recent events are driving Russia into the arms of China. The most severe impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may ultimately be felt on the other side of the Asian continent, as Beijing may feel propelled to implement its plans of ‘reunification’ with Taiwan sooner rather than later.  
 
During this event, the floor will be given to Ryan J. Roberts (Counselor for Public Affairs at U.S. Embassy The Hague), Hendrik (Henk) Schulte Nordholt (sinologist and publicist), Ruben Brekelmans (Member of Parliament in NL for VVD), and Xiaoxue Martin (Research Fellow at The Clingendael Institute). The event will be chaired by hosts Alex Krijger (Krijger & Partners) and Eline Hoeken (Netherlands-Asia Honours Summer School). In addition, students whose studies and interests are closely linked to China are invited to join the discussion. 
 
By bringing students, politicians, experts, and business people together we hope to bring the discussion on these important subjects to a new level! 
 
The event will take place on Thursday, 31 March from 16:00 to 17:30, followed by networking drinks at The Hague Humanity Hub.
 
This event is organized by Krijger & Partners, in cooperation with PB NAHSS, ismus, studievereniging voor studenten politicologie Nijmegen and Argus, with support from U.S. Embassy The Hague.