European Guanxi Conference 2026: The Avoidable Trade War

EU-China economic relations are at crossroads, shaped by growing concerns over economic security, industrial policy, market access, and technological competition. Trade frictions remain elevated, underpinned by the expanding use of economic security toolkits on both sides. At the same time, the EU and China remain indispensable trading partners, with Brussels and Beijing continuing to favour dialogue over a broader escalation. The EU-China Trade and Investment Consultations (TIC), formalised on 29 June by European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, underscore this shared preference for engagement. However, calls from some EU Member States for stronger trade-defence and economic security measures targeting China highlight the significant tensions that continue to underlie the current push for dialogue.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and global competition in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and clean tech, the question is no longer whether differences exist, but how they can be managed without escalating into an avoidable trade war. This conference will bring together policymakers, experts, businesses, and young professionals to discuss practical solutions for strengthening dialogue, promoting fair and sustainable economic cooperation, and identifying areas where the EU and China can continue to work together despite increasing strategic rivalry.

In this context, the European Guanxi annual conference will provide a timely platform to examine how evolving EU–China trade dynamics are shaping the broader bilateral relationship. Bringing together policymakers, academics, business representatives, diplomats, and young professionals, the conference aims to bridge established expertise with the perspectives of the next generation of Europe–China specialists. This reflects European Guanxi's mission to empower young voices in international affairs, particularly following its recognition as the 2026 Third Prize winner of the Charlemagne Youth Prize. By combining keynote addresses, expert discussions, and youth representation, the conference seeks not only to analyse current challenges but also to focus on concrete, forward-looking recommendations.

This years event is hosted by the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS)