Echowall is a collaborative research platform based at Heidelberg University born out of an increasing need in Europe for sound and in-depth knowledge about contemporary China. It recognizes that fact-based research should be informed by a wide range of experts in both Europe and China and that it should be accessible to a broad audience.
Echowall draws its inspiration from the “Echo Wall” in the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing, a circular structure with unique acoustical properties dating back to the early 15th century. The architecture allows people standing at opposite sides of the space to communicate clearly, even in whispers.
News and Context:
Though China’s AI is often cast as a U.S.-China power struggle, our latest article unveils its internal dynamics through the eyes of Chinese programmers.
CHINA AND THE WORLD
Multilateralism has been central to pledges for future European-Chinese cooperation, particularly as the US has opted out of multilateral institutions. But look more closely and you find that the EU and China have sharply contrasting notions of what multilateralism actually means.
CHINA THROUGH A EUROPEAN LENS
The coronavirus crisis has demonstrated the necessity of global cooperation and functioning multilateralism. But as Europe seeks to redefine its approach to China, will the special relationship between China and Germany be an advantage or a liability?
CHINA THROUGH A EUROPEAN LENS
Public debate in EU member states can enhance national and EU policy-making on China, but analysis of the 2019 Dutch policy paper on China and the surrounding debate suggests lack of strategic thinking and resolve on the member-state level may undermine cohesion and policy effectiveness on the EU level.
CHINA THROUGH A EUROPEAN LENS
Like other powers, the UK will have to define a balance between economic and political considerations in its relationship with China. That balance, at present, seems some way off.
CHINA THROUGH A EUROPEAN LENS
The COVID-19 crisis seems to have deepened the sense that a logic of divergence now prevails between China and Europe. Is a rebalance of the EU-China relationship possible? And if so, how?
CHINA THROUGH A EUROPEAN LENS
The importance of the trade relationship with China has encouraged the view in Germany that economic dependencies limit its choices in areas like human rights and investment. But closer scrutiny suggests this might not be the case.
CHINA THROUGH A EUROPEAN LENS
While some recent moves, from trade to coronavirus aid, may suggest Italy is moving closer to China, the reality is that the country's China policy continues to seesaw between assuagement of traditional Western allies and closer ties with China.
CHINA THROUGH A EUROPEAN LENS
The perception of China has deteriorated among Swedes in recent years as relations have grown strained. Can Sweden find a way forward to constructive dialogue and meaningful exchange with Beijing?
CHINA THROUGH A EUROPEAN LENS
Recent signs in the Czech Republic have pointed to growing disappointment with the intangible benefits of drawing closer to China. Is a real reassessment of Czech-China relations underway?
Multi-dimensional research on China and Europe
Echowall is a collaborative research platform based at the University of Heidelberg’s Institute of Chinese Studies that draws on the expertise of a broad spectrum of experts in both Europe and China to gain a clearer picture of the China-Europe relationship.
An international team of experts
The Echowall project was launched by a team of scholars responding to the need for thoughtful, fact-based research about the China-Europe relationship that is accessible and impactful, reaching a wider audience. Find out more about our backgrounds and expertise.
Interested in working with us?
Echowall draws on the knowledge and expertise of a range of experts in academia and the media, drawn from various disciplines and areas of concentration. For more information about how you can cooperate with us, please contact us at info@zo.uni-heidelberg.de.
News and Context:
Though China’s AI is often cast as a U.S.-China power struggle, our latest article unveils its internal dynamics through the eyes of Chinese programmers.
