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Munich as a Stage for Beijing?

by Tobias Knörich, Johann C. Fuhrmann

China ahead of the Munich Security Conference 2026

At the leading security forum in Munich, Beijing is able to capitalize on the diplomatic self-weakening of the United States, using the opportunities to advance new partnership and its own agenda; yet despite these advantages, China remains unable to position itself as a genuine alternative for the European Union.

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The Munich Security Conference 2026 takes place amid global uncertainties and geopolitical realignments and is expected to see a record participation of high-level decision-makers. China will be prominently represented and is likely to use the MSC to maintain partnerships, promote its own narratives, and present itself as a stabilizing force as well as a potential alternative to the United States. At the same time, China’s actions often contradict these signals. Despite rapprochements with Canada and the United Kingdom, China’s continued support for Russia and ongoing economic tensions, among other factors, limit prospects for cooperation with the European Union.

Please note that the full-lenght country report is only available in German. 

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Contact Johann C. Fuhrmann
Johann C. Fuhrmann
Head of the China Office
johann.fuhrmann@kas.de +86 10 6462-2207; 2208 +86 10 6462-2209

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