Expert Discussion
with Dr. Glenn Tiffert (Stanford U) and Ray Wong (activist, Hong Kong/Germany)
April 27, 2026, 2:30-4 pm
Fakultätssaal (01-185), Philosophicum
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Navigating Engagement with China:
Subnational Diplomacy and United Front Activities in Germany
How does the Chinese Communist Party seek to influence institutions and public discourse abroad and what does that mean for Germany?
In this expert briefing, Dr. Glenn Tiffert, a leading scholar of Chinese politics and influence operations, will examine the role of the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front Work Department and its activities beyond China’s borders. The United Front is a key instrument through which the CCP builds networks of influence among political, academic, business, and diaspora communities around the world. This program focuses specifially on how United Front activities intersect with institutions and stakeholders in Germany, including universities, business associations, local governments, and civil society. While awareness of CCP influence operations has grown at the federal level, many subnational actors, states, municipalities, chambers of commerce, and economic development agencies, remain particularly exposed due to limited resources and lower threat perception. Dr. Tiffert will explain how United Front networks operate, how influence activities are often embedded within legitimate engagement channels, and what practical steps institutions can take to assess and mitigate potential risks.
Additional perspectives will be offered by Ray Wong, democracy activist from Hong Kong, who will share insights into the broader context of CCP influence activities and their implications for democratic institutions.
Welcome
JGU Vice President Prof. Dr. Stephan Jolie
Discussion
Dr. Glenn Tiffert (Stanford U) and
Ray Wong (activist, Hong Kong/Germany)
Q&A with audience
The event is organized by invitation of the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt and in cooperation with the Obama Institute at JGU Mainz.
You can download the poster for the event here.
