Allies and Partners: Navigating the Future of Relations with China

As China’s economic, political, technological, and security influence accelerates, democratic allies are grappling with how to engage Beijing without compromising their own interests and values.

To confront these questions, Sunnylands partnered with the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) and the Asia Society Task Force on U.S.-China Relations to launch a series of high‑level dialogues. The effort grew out of a 2024 Sunnylands meeting on U.S.–Japan–South Korea coordination, where participants recognized the need to bring European voices more fully into the conversation.

The first gathering took place in early 2025 in Buonconvento, Italy, where a small group of senior scholars, former officials, and strategic thinkers from the United States, Europe, Japan, and South Korea explored whether flexible, issue‑specific coalitions might better address emerging risks.

Momentum carried into a larger conference in Berlin from October 9–11, 2025. The dialogue opened over dinner at the historic Adlon Hotel, where former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reflected on Germany’s first national China strategy and the challenge of balancing engagement with caution in a shifting global landscape.

Over three days, participants examined China’s expanding economic reach, its tightening alignment with Russia, and its growing influence across the Global South. While democratic partners share many concerns, the discussions highlighted the distinct political pressures and strategic constraints each faces. A central worry was that democratic disengagement could leave China to shape global norms unchecked. This sparked a focus on strengthening economic resilience, deepening cooperation, and keeping diplomatic channels open.

Participants emphasized the need for more proactive outreach—through diplomacy, development, and public communication—and for tighter coordination among transatlantic and Indo‑Pacific partners through shared analysis and consistent messaging on democratic values.

The meetings closed with strong interest in continuing the collaboration and identifying opportunities to share joint insights at future forums.