From observer to global influencer at MSC

Munich Security Conference Chairman Christoph Heusgen speaks at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany February 14, 2025. China's role in the security of the Asia-Pacific region, including the South China Sea, and other regional issues has become a major topic for discussions, encouraging more Asian countries to engage with the MSC. This year's Munich Security Report speculates that the Donald Trump administration's foreign policy could accord priority to the US' competition with China, withdraw security guarantees to the EU, and shift NATO's security burden on the US' European allies, creating a security vacuum in Europe, and particularly affecting Ukraine. China's growing role at the MSC signifies more than just participation — it reflects the country's increasing influence on the global security landscape, from traditional defense concerns to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. The evolution of China's role at the MSC — from being a mere participant to giving shape to the agenda — shows its elevation on the world stage and increasing global influence.