China has provided some new thinking and inspiration for solving the international security puzzle. The answer involves major countries breaking through the constraints of outdated Western security theories and charting a course that is comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable.

As the war in Ukraine marks its one year anniversary, and with the recent announcement of China’s call for a ceasefire and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, it’s imperative to analyze history and to consider further pathways to peace. Ultimately, China is best positioned to lead the way to the end of the war, and them doing so would be for the betterment of the world.

It is the mission of the think tank to stay on high alert against potential risks and explore possible solutions to challenges. The international system is currently undergoing the most dramatic changes since the end of the Cold War. The peaceful and open international environment, which has been taken for granted over the last four decades, is now overshadowed by formidable challenges. In this context, it is the think tank’s responsibility to explore and identify external security risks that might pose threats to China in the months and years ahead.

The notion of decoupling has lost steam across Europe, though some countries are still looking to reduce their dependence on China. How Europe chooses to balance cooperation with competition will be the key as the two sides cooperate in areas of shared interest.

As one of America’s key European allies, Germany is exploring its own version of strategic autonomy — a low-profile and pragmatic version — not only for itself but also on behalf of Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent trip to China was a notable touchstone.

Scholz’s visit helps set the narrative straight. China and Europe should set their own agenda, without the heavy hand of a third party. They should be guided by their hopes for the future, not their fears.

There is uncertainty in the relationship between the EU, the U.S. and China due to the EU’s increased dependence on Russian Oil and Chinese goods and markets, amidst the Ukraine war and increased tensions between the U.S., China and Russia.

Europe’s interests require that it strongly back the global trading system and establish multilateral independence toward other countries, especially China. Strategically autonomy, however, means the EU must break away from its reliance on Washington.

China stands at a crossroads and will be key in determining whether two camps will take shape. President Xi Jinping’s global development and security initiatives inject confidence into a world industrial scheme that has lost momentum and an international order that has lost stability.

Europe has taken a strategic stance when it comes to its relationship with the U.S. and with China. While the U.S. has strengthened ties with its European allies to contain China, Europe also supports China’s monetary ambitions regarding the RMB.