From observer to global influencer at MSC

As one of the world's premier security meetings, the Munich Security Conference has long been a major platform for discussions on global security. China has been participating in the forum since 1999. Unlike the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, whose focus is defense, the MSC focuses on both diplomatic and security issues.

China's engagement with the MSC has evolved over the years.

Initially, it was only represented by its foreign minister. The second phase saw Chinese scholars being invited to engage in exchanges at the conference in the hope that they would provide insight into China's domestic and foreign policies, and allow Western policymakers to assess the trajectory of the country's national security. The third phase saw the participation of Chinese entrepreneurs, especially those from the artificial intelligence and digital economy sectors.