Through Each Other’s Lenses: Public Perceptions of China and the World

Session I: The World in China’s Eyes

Public perception may sound like an illusive term. First, “the public” is almost impossible to define and reach. Even then, likes, tendencies and opinions can be deeply subjective and difficult to articulate even for individuals, let alone for the masses. Understanding public perceptions therefore requires not only great sensitivity and nuance, but also sustained effort and careful study over time.

Despite these challenges, few would question the importance of public perceptions, especially in the world of international politics. Increasing evidence suggests that public perceptions are a vital, if not one of the most important, factors shaping foreign policy decisions, consciously or unconsciously. In an age of social media, rapid global change and increasingly interconnected societies, their influence is only growing.

The EU SME Centre and the European Chamber are pleased to invite stakeholders to our next series of Policy Meetings, “Through Each Other’s Lenses: Public Perceptions of China and the World”, where we will hear from leading researchers, drawing on years of dedicated research. This series will explore how China is perceived both by its own people and by the world around it, and how China perceives the world.

For the first session, we are honoured to welcome Dr Reza Hasmath from the China Institute at the University of Alberta, who will present the Institute’s recent report, How China Sees the World 2026. By exploring Chinese citizens’ views on China’s global role, as well as their attitudes towards tourism, study, work and emigration, relations with other countries and more, the report offers a glimpse into how Chinese people see their country’s place in the world.

Through this lens, we hope to offer policymakers, business representatives and other stakeholders a closer look at how foreign policies are shaping public perceptions, and, in turn, how public perceptions may shape the policies that govern our world. Let us start from 观 (views) to look through the eyes of others and ultimately arrive at 照 (reflection).

Agenda

Eligibility criteria and registration

This is a closed meeting open to consortium partners’ management and relevant stakeholders of EU SME Centre Phase V, including European embassies, consulates, EU-funded projects and secretariat/board members from European chambers or business associations only. If you meet the criteria and would like to attend, please send your information to Mr Alessandro Forte (alessandro.forte@eusmecentre.org.cn)  with the subject line before Thursday 27 August COB. You will receive a confirmation email with the Teams link to attend.

Keynote speaker

Reza Hasmath

Professor of Political Science, University of Alberta

Reza Hasmath (Ph.D., Cambridge) is a Full Professor of Political Science at the University of Alberta, and the Academic Faculty Advisor at The China Institute. He has previously held faculty positions in management, sociology, and political science at the Universities of Toronto, Melbourne, and Oxford. He has also worked for and advised global think tanks, consultancies, development agencies, and social organizations. He was formally trained in philosophy, public policy, international studies and diplomacy, social and political sciences, as well as various East Asian and European languages. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Civil Society, and is the Foundation Editor of the Routledge Research on the Politics and Sociology of China book series.