This event is a business-led seminar organised with the support of the EU SME Centre, together with the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.
Since the outbreak of war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran on 28 February, global headlines have been dominated by escalating military action, a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and skyrocketing energy prices. With some 20 percent of the world’s oil supply effectively held hostage, and supply chains from shipping to civil aviation thrown into disarray, the crisis is now forcing business leaders across Asia Pacific to rethink long-term strategy.
For European businesses operating in China, this conflict adds a critical new layer of geopolitical risk. Europe remains heavily reliant on Middle Eastern energy and trade routes, while many European-headquartered multinationals have deep supply chains and market exposure in China. As US influence in the Gulf potentially wanes and China eyes a larger role in the region, European companies find themselves navigating competing pressures from Washington, Beijing, and Gulf capitals.
A panel of experts – Simon Buckby, Managing Director for Government and Public Affairs at Sandpiper, David Mahon, Executive Chairman of Mahon China, and Cameron Johnson, Senior Partner at Tidalwave Solutions – will offer a comprehensive deep dive into what the current conflict means for governments and businesses in the Middle East, the wider APAC region, and specifically for European businesses here in China.
*This event will be conducted in English with no translation services and is off the record.
*This is a hybrid event with limited on-site seating available to be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
*This event is free for members of European Chamber and stakeholders of the EU SME Centre. If you are a stakeholder of the EU SME Centre, please kindly send email to cdu@europeanchamber.com.cn to confirm the registration.
Agenda
09:30-10:00 Registration
10:00-10:05 Welcome Remarks
10:05-10:50 Keynote: Geopolitical Volatility in the Middle East: Potential Scenarios and Strategic Implications for China and APAC
- Simon Buckby, Managing Director, Government and Public Affairs, Sandpiper (in person)
- David Mahon, Executive Chairman, Mahon China (in person)
10:50-11:15 Keynote: Impact of the Middle East Situation on Global Supply Chains
- Cameron Johnson, Senior Partner, Tidalwave Solutions (online)
11:15-11:45 Discussion & Q&A
Moderator: Wendy Wu, China Editor, South China Morning Post
