Leibniz Research Network "China"

The Leibniz Research Network "China" consolidates existing China expertise within the Leibniz Association and makes it politically utilisable. In addition, experience-sharing between members supports them in conducting cooperation with Chinese partners while maintaining research security. The GIGA contributes to the network, inter alia, with its expertise on China’s foreign policy.
Leibniz Association, 2025-2028

Cooperation Partners

Head

Dr. Julia Gurol-Haller

Research Fellow

Susanne Boetsch

Peace Research Institute Frankfurt

Prof. Dr. Philipp Böing

Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research

Coordinator

Dr. Pascal Abb

Universität Hamburg

Research Questions

The Leibniz Research Network’s areas of focus are:
- Geopolitics and systems competition
- Security, trade, and peace
- Innovation, education, and technology policy
- Climate, environment, and justice
- Development and infrastructure

Contribution to International Research

China's rise to an economic, technological, and geopolitical major power is one of the key trends of the 21st century. For Germany – as a political actor, research hub, and globally-linked economy – a deeper understanding of Chinese interests and goals is of increasing importance. Without it, German decision-makers risk misinterpreting Chinese strategies or adopting ineffective responses.

Against this backdrop, the Leibniz research network China analyses highly relevant, interdisciplinary focus topics ranging from geopolitics, trade, innovation, and environmental issues to development cooperation. The resulting knowledge is made available for political processes through transfer formats.

Research Design and Methods

Researcher Dr. Julia Gurol-Haller is participating in the network on behalf of the GIGA. In the scope of her work as a political scientist, she works on China’s foreign policy, among other topics.