Event Recap: China – Hegemonic Power or Emerging Peacemaker?

The historic Château d’Aïre once again served as the stage for a thought-provoking event, as SWISS UMEF hosted a high-level conference on one of the most pressing questions in global affairs today:"China – Hegemonic Power or Emerging Peacemaker?"

The evening gathered a diverse audience of students, academics, diplomats and global affairs enthusiasts for an engaging and multi-perspective discussion.

A rich and dynamic debate

Moderated by a panel of distinguished experts, the event offered an in-depth exploration of:

• China’s economic and trade strategies,

• its global ambitions and regional assertiveness,

• its role in current conflicts,

• and the intentions behind its peacebuilding initiatives.

The speakers illuminated the complex duality of China’s rise—as both a strategic stabiliser and a growing geopolitical force.

Expert insights

• Ecaterina Cojuhari, journalist and author, opened the floor with a reflection on how China is portrayed in Western media and diplomacy.

• Hicheme Lehmici, geopolitical analyst and GIPRI secretary, explored China’s diplomatic initiatives as part of a broader reconfiguration of the global order.

• Dr Zhang Yuheng, from the University of Zurich, offered a nuanced internal perspective on Chinese foreign policy logic.

• Brunson McKinley, former US ambassador and Director General of the IOM, concluded with a timely reminder of the global consequences of an imbalanced relationship between China and the West.

Active audience participation

The Q&A session encouraged open dialogue between the public and the panel, demonstrating a strong interest in understanding China’s evolving role in the international arena.

SWISS UMEF – Bridging academia and geopolitics

This conference is part of SWISS UMEF’s ongoing mission to empower students and the wider community with tools for critical thinking and global awareness.By connecting academic learning to current world events, the university fosters civic engagement and responsible leadership.