China in the Global Economy

China remains the world’s foremost exporter and a major global investor, with an economic footprint that continues to shape global markets and political relations. Its state-led economic model and the close alignment of economic and political objectives distinguish China from Western economies, firmly positioning it at the centre of contemporary geoeconomic dynamics. Renewed geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, and heightened strategic rivalry—particularly following the return of the Trump administration in the United States in 2025—have added new volatility and uncertainty to international economic relations. Frictions over market access, competition practices, and strategic industries have intensified. As these dynamics evolve, the need for rigorous, policy-relevant academic research on China’s global economic role has become more pressing than ever.

Building on the success of its previous editions, the 3rd Kiel-Göttingen-CEPR China Conference will once again bring together leading international scholars to analyse China’s role in the global economy. Hosted in central Berlin, the conference aims to deepen dialogue between cutting-edge academic research and policy practice. By providing a forum for exchange between researchers, business practitioners, and policymakers, the conference seeks to advance informed debate on China’s economic impact and its implications for international economic relations.

One of our keynote speakers will be Fabrizio Zilibotti (Yale University and CEPR). Confirmed invited speakers include Bingjing Li (University of Hong Kong), Andrea Presbitero (International Monetary Fund and CEPR), Nancy Qian (Northwestern University and CEPR), and Heiwai Tang (University of Hong Kong). Conference highlights include the Kiel-MERICS Policy Panel on "China Shock 2.0: How Can Europe Shape Its Strategic Response to Geoeconomic Disruption?" and a special live edition of Global China Conversations — our monthly webinar series on China in the global economy — on the topic "China Shock 2.0: How Can the German Automotive Industry Respond?" 
 

Call for Papers - Submission closes March 23, 2026

We welcome submissions that cover various themes, including but not limited to:

• International trade and trade policy
• Inward and outward direct investments
• Aid and government lending strategies
• Environmental and climate costs and challenges with China’s economic rise
• China’s geoeconomic strategy and implications of China's flagship initiatives
• China’s impact on global development
• AI, innovation, technology transfer, and digitisation
• Growth prospects and spillover effects on the world economy
• Historical foundations of China’s rise as a global economic power
• Tracking China’s global reach with innovative data sources

Submit via CEPR