The world is undergoing great changes unprecedented in over a century. Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, profound adjustments have been seen in the international economy, science and technology, culture, and in the security and political landscapes. The world has entered a phase featuring unrest and change. The post-epidemic world in 2021 continues to encounter challenges. How can we observe and understand the world amid these great changes? How should China, as one of the most influential actors amid the changes, respond to it? To answer these questions, the Institute of Area Studies, Peking University, in partnership with PKU’s School of Economics, hosted a series of New Buds salons on the theme of “Senior diplomats talk about the unprecedented great changes in over a century” at the third anniversary of the establishment of the Institute.

The 28th New Buds Salon, on March 18, invited Shi Mingde, former Chinese ambassador to Germany, to give a presentation titled “Changes in US–European relations and a comparison of their policies toward China amid great changes.” Based on his long-term experience in the frontlines of diplomatic work, Shi analyzed the present and future of US-European relations, Sino-American relations and Sino-European relations. He also exchanged ideas with audience members focusing on how historical culture helps diplomatic practices, Germany’s current political situation, the signing of China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), and how to tell a good China story to the world.