As relations between China and the U.S. continue to deteriorate, the debate over Europe's positioning in the conflict has intensified. In a 2019 European Union strategy paper, China was labeled a "partner, economic competitor, and systemic rival" – a significant departure from a decades-long approach that prioritized closer trade and investment ties. In the spring of 2023, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a "de-risking" (though not a decoupling) from China. Some European leaders, however, continue to shy away from an approach that would reduce economic and technological engagement between Europe and China. French President Emmanuel Macron, for example, has warned against blindly following Washington down a path of economic containment or isolation of China.

Is it crucial for Europe to develop "strategic autonomy" and carve out its own path amid intensifying great power competition? Or should Europe prioritize the transatlantic alliance and its political, economic, and cultural ties, siding with the U.S. on China? And what will the ramifications of such a decision be for European countries, including Switzerland?

Join us for a crucial Oxford Debate on these pressing questions facing Europe as we discuss the motion "Europe should side with the U.S. on China". For the first time, Asia Society Switzerland will bring together four European China experts to debate in-person: Noah Barkin (Berlin), Philippe Le Corre (Paris), Simona Grano (Zurich), and Marina Rudyak (Heidelberg).

About Oxford Debates

The Oxford Debates at Asia Society Switzerland are a format to address ‘big’ questions that have no one answer or solution but invite many conflicting views. Four renowned experts in the field form teams of two, one team arguing for the motion, the other against it.

The Oxford-style format is broken down into four sections: opening remarks, rebuttals, a moderated question-and-answer session, and closing remarks. Before and after the debate the audience is polled whether they agree with the motion or not. The voting breakdown is not shared publicly until the end of the debate. The greater percentage change between the first and second votes determines the debate’s winning team.

Disclaimer: Positions presented in the debate do not necessarily represent the speakers’ views

Please find more information on the Asia Society Website

Tickets: here

Event Partners:
Foraus
Europa Institut an der Universität Zürich (EIZ)