The China Seminar: Exploring China’s Global Ambitions and their Implications for NATO

From 8 to 10 January 2025, Senior Course 145 engaged in the China Seminar, examining China’s political, military and economic ambitions, and discussing their impact on global security and implications for NATO.

Dr Minxin Pei (right) answering a Course Member’s question.

Panel with Dr Ashley J. Tellis, Dr Minxin Pei and, remotely, Dr Andrew Chubb, led by Faculty Advisor Counsellor B. Tuna Atala.

Course Member asking a question during the first panel discussion.

Ms Meia Nouwens answering Course Member’s question.

Ms Shihoko Goto during her lecture.

The three-day seminar started with lectures by guest speakers, followed by Q&A sessions in a panel format. These panels featured Dr Ashley Tellis (USA), Dr Minxin Pei (USA), Dr Andrew Chubb (GBR), Ms Meia Nouwens (NLD) and Ms Shihoko Goto (JPN). The lectures offered Course Members valuable insights into China’s domestic, foreign and security policy agenda as well as its economic aspirations, with subsequent in-depth discussions held within Committees.

With assistance from mentors, each Committee reflected on China’s ambitions and strategies, concentrating on key aspects of the US-China competition, such as China’s economic and military growth, its global influence and its attempts to challenge Western dominance. The Committees also examined China’s vulnerabilities and challenges, including developing partnerships and a workforce that is not fully equipped for future demands. Course Members further analysed the ways in which China’s growing influence is reshaping the geopolitical landscape in Asia, especially in view of Taiwan’s strategic significance, and the PRC’s pursuit of a world-class military capable of securing its global aspirations.

On day three of the Seminar, the Committees had the opportunity to present their findings to all Course Members, enabling further discussions on the challenges and prospects of NATO-China relations.

Earlier this week, Course Members participated in a high-level simulation, called Flashpoint Arctic, exploring the region’s strategic dynamics. With melting sea ice unlocking new shipping routes and resources, this exercise highlighted growing geopolitical tensions and the influence of China. Participants employed diplomatic, military, economic and other instruments of power to achieve objectives and prevent crises, gaining crucial insights into the actions of global powers and organizations, and into their strategic implications for the future.

NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Britt Melinga, NLD C)