YCW London | YCW-KCL China Conference 2026

This year’s theme, “Living with Uncertainty: China’s Place in a New World Order”, explores the emerging shift to a new, multipolar world order as China leverages its technological and economic power to both challenge and operate within Western institutions. China has also experienced a notable resurgence of softpower, particularly amongst younger generations in the West, reshaping cultural perceptions of China. The 9th Annual YCW-KCL China Conference will examine how China’s vision of global order will coexist with conventions and institutions that have defined global governance for decades, or transform them.

AGENDA

Keynote speaker: TBC

In Conversation with Jung Chang, author of Fly, Wild Swans: My Mother, Myself and China

Panel 1: Regional Security Risks: The Role of China and the US in East Asia

• ⁠Alessio Patalano, Professor of War & Strategy in East Asia, KCL
• ⁠Xavier Casals, Lead Analyst, Northeast Asia and Oceania, Janes Intelligence
• A speaker from Taiwan

Panel 2: “Cool China”: The Rise of China’s Soft Power

• ⁠Yaling Jiang, Author, Following the Yuan
• ⁠Carwyn Morris, Senior Lecturer in Digital Society, SOAS
• ⁠TBC: An industry expert

Panel 3: From Rare Earths to Chips: China’s Strategy for Economic Security

• Francesa Gheriti, Director, RAND Europe China Initiative
• ⁠Henry Sanderson, Author Volt Rush, Former FT Metals and Mining Correspondent
• ⁠TBC: An industry expert

Ticket prices include a light lunch with networking opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to network and mingle with the next generation of China thinkers, watchers and actors.

At YCW, we’re mindful of the current overarching mood – but are also curious about how moods can change depending on the lens you take. For this reason, this year’s conference includes panels comparing global, bilateral and local developments, whilst exploring them through political, economic and societal perspectives.

YCW has worked hard to keep this event affordable for students and young professionals. The cost of running the conference is approximately £16 per person, and we are grateful to the Lau China Institute and the Department of War Studies at King’s College London for enabling us to offer reduced rates.

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Young China Watchers (YCW) is a dynamic group of China-focused young professionals. Through regular roundtables and talks with senior figures in the China academic, policy and business communities. Through our growing global network, we seek to foster the next generation of China thought-leaders.

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