Stockholm Observatory for Global China
The Stockholm Observatory for Global China is an independent research network dedicated to questions arising in relation to China’s growing global footprint.
China is the world’s second largest economy. Its rapid economic growth has come with rising levels of outward investments and foreign trade. This has been coupled with a proactive foreign policy, currently embodied in President Xi Jinping’s signature project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global vision alluding to the ancient Silk Roads which connected Asia and Europe for centuries.
The Chinese state has strengthened its engagement with multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation. It has also created new institutions, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. China is increasingly present in distant regions such as the Arctic.
The People’s Liberation Army, meanwhile, has continued to expand its capabilities and international presence. As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, China’s approach to climate change and environmental degradation will be critical to tackle challenges related to sustainable development.
In early 2018 the Stockholm Observatory for Global China (previously Stockholm Belt and Road Observatory) was established to better understand China’s ascent as a global actor and what it means for Sweden. The Observatory is an independent network which gathers nearly 40 experts from Swedish institutions and organisations. Beyond bringing together researchers and analysts, it serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing for actors in government, civil society and the business sector.
The membership of the Stockholm Observatory for Global China is made up my individuals who regularly conduct research of high quality on questions related to China’s global footprint and have a professional connection to Sweden. New members are admitted on the basis of their proven expertise, as well as on their interest in and ability to contributing to the observatory.
The Observatory's new “Global China Series” – with podcasts, video interviews and open seminars – runs throughout 2019 to explore China’s growing global footprint and its impact across the world.
