On September 20, China Forum under Tsinghua University’s Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) and the University’s Department of International Relations jointly hosted a closed-door seminar on China-UK relations. The event focused on the developments, opportunities and challenges in the bilateral relationship over the years.

The seminar was moderated by Matteo Garavoglia, research associate at the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford. He is also a visiting Associate Professor of Tsinghua's department of lnternational Relations. China Forum Expert Tang Xiaoyang and Secretary General Zhang Lirong made opening and closing remarks respectively. The event featured Zhou Bo, senior fellow at CISS; Michele Geraci, former undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development; Wu Zhengyu, professor at the School of International Studies, Renmin University of China; Matthew Erie, associate professor of Modern Chinese Studies, University of Oxford; Shi Zhiqin, professor at the Department of International Relations, Tsinghua University; Yu Jie, senior research fellow on China in the Asia-Pacific Programme, Chatham House; Gao Jian, director of the Center for British Studies, Shanghai International Studies University; and Rana Mitter, ST Lee chair in US-Asia Relations, Harvard Kennedy School.

Panelists explored major global issues, factors affecting China-UK and China-EU ties, the driving force and prospects for improving China-EU relations, mutual trust and dialogue between governments at all levels, and potential areas of cooperation between China and the UK. They agreed that despite the challenges facing the bilateral relationships, stronger communication and cooperation are needed.