ReConnect China - Why Dominant Perceptions of China Changed in Europe?

In this episode, we dive into why dominant European perceptions of China turned sharply negative in recent years. Drawing on fresh academic insights from the recently published article “Bundling Threats: Why Dominant Perceptions of China Changed in Europe” by Shaun Breslin and Mikael Mattlin, the authors and Ágota Révész explore how shifting narratives—not just facts—shape policy decisions. The discussion unpacks the deeper, underlying reasons behind these changing perceptions, as well as their more immediate triggers. We also look at how a powerful image of China as a future threat towards European values and interests influences how today’s actions by China and Chinese organizations are interpreted, creating a reinforcing loop with real policy consequences. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at how stories, assumptions, and fears drive international relations. This discussion is based on the following article: Shaun Breslin and Mikael Mattlin, “Bundling Threats: Why Dominant Perceptions of China Changed in Europe,” The Chinese Journal of International Politics, Volume 18, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 196–219, https://doi.org/10.1093/cjip/poaf003 Discussion hosted by Ágota Révész, China Centre at the Technische Universität TU Berlin. Podcast guests: Shaun Breslin, Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick. Mikael Mattlin, Research Professor and the leader of Center on Global Orders and China (CORD) CHERN – the China in Europe Research Network – is a platform for knowledge exchange about China in Europe among academic and non-academic communities. Find out more about the project here: https://china-in-europe.net/ EuroHub4Sino - provides independent European policy research and analysis. Find out more about the project here: https://eh4s.eu/ ReConnect China - Generating independent knowledge for a resilient future with China for Europe and its citizens. Find out more about the project here: https://www.reconnect-china.ugent.be/ Transcript: https://www.utu.fi/fi/ajankohtaista/podcast/reconnect