Future: China!

For over 30 years, Frank Sieren has lived in Beijing and is considered one of the most prominent experts on China in the German-speaking world. As part of the Distinguished Guest Lecture Series at MCI, he portrayed China’s rise not as an “emerging power” but as a “re-emerging power” – a historic comeback of a nation long underestimated.

With strategic pragmatism, technological ambition, and a distinct vision, China has evolved into a powerhouse of innovation. The country’s opening marked a turning point: through cooperation with the West, innovation hubs like Shenzhen emerged, one of the most dynamic tech regions in the world.

Technology, speed, and new realities

Today, China leads in fields such as e-mobility, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and self-driving vehicles. As a result, traditional industrial structures in the West – particularly the German automotive sector – are coming under increasing pressure. “We believed we were setting the pace. Now others are dictating the tempo,” said Sieren. The “auto shock,” as described in his latest book, is emblematic of a broader upheaval. Europe, he argued, must learn to understand other perspectives, seek strategic partners, and reposition its interests within a changing global context.

A changing world order

An increasing number of countries in the Global South are aligning themselves with China. Sieren outlined two potential scenarios: a hegemonic China or a multipolar world order, in which power is no longer determined by strength alone, but by majorities. Europe’s future, he cautioned, will depend on remaining economically competitive while embracing openness to diverse viewpoints.

Understanding perspectives

In a lively discussion with MCI Rector Andreas Altmann and the audience, Sieren also shared personal insights: his first journey to China sparked a lifelong process of discovery. “I realized: this society functions differently, thinks differently, dreams differently.” Today, he sees China as the key to understanding the world order of the future.

His core message was clear: “If you want to understand the future, you have to learn to see through different eyes.” Only then, he emphasized, can we secure our place in a world undergoing profound transformation.