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SUMMARY:Apr 27 – Discussion: "Navigating Engagement with China: Subnational Diplomacy and United Front Activities in Germany"
UID:http://www.obama-institute.com/apr-27-discussion-navigating-engagement-with-china/
LOCATION:
DTSTAMP:20260427T143000Z
DTSTART:20260427T143000Z
DTEND:20260427T160000Z
DESCRIPTION:Expert Discussion
with Dr. Glenn Tiffert (Stanford U) and Ray Wong (activist, Hong
Kong/Germany)
April 27, 2026, 2:30-4 pmFakultätssaal (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.
WelcomeJGU Vice President Prof. Dr. Stephan Jolie
DiscussionDr. Glenn Tiffert (Stanford U) andRay 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.
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