YCW London are pleased to announce the 9th Annual YCW-KCL China Conference. Hear from leading experts on China, and network with fellow China watchers in London.
When: 10-16:30, Saturday, March 28 2026
Where: Safra Lecture Theatre, Strand Campus, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS
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 soft power, 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.
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.
The conference will have several keynote speakers, and panels will include discussion on economic security, Chinese soft power and US-China competition. The conference will be followed by drinks at a nearby location, offering attendees the opportunity to continue the conversation.
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.
Agenda
9:30: Doors Open
10:00: Welcome Address
10:10: Keynote: Kerry Brown, Professor of Chinese Studies and Director of the Lau China Institute at King’s College London
10:30: In Conversation with Jung Chang CBE, Chinese-born British author of the bestselling memoir Wild Swans
11:10: Coffee Break
11:30: Panel 1: Regional Security Risks: The Role of Regional Powers in East Asia
- Alessio Patalano, Professor of War & Strategy in East Asia, King’s College London
- F Xavier Casals, Lead Analyst, APAC Desk, Janes
- Dr Ya-chi Chiang, Deputy Representative, Taipei Representative Office in the U.K.
12:30: Lunch Break
13:45: Panel 2: “Cool China”: The Rise of China’s Soft Power
- Yaling Jiang, Founder, ApertureChina and Following the Yuan
- Carwyn Morris, Senior Lecturer in Digital Society, SOAS
- Adrian Farina, Marketing Executive; Founder, Another View
14:45: Coffee Break
15:15: Panel 3: From Critical Minerals to Batteries: China’s Strategy for Economic Security
- Francesca Ghiretti, Director, RAND Europe China Initiative
- Henry Sanderson, Author of Volt Rush, Former FT Metals and Mining Correspondent
- Jessica Fung, Head of Consulting, Project Blue
16:15: Closing Remarks
16:30: Drinks at the Lyceum Tavern
All images provided by Young China Watchers London
Tickets are available through our Eventbrite here.
This event is made possible with the kind support of the Lau China Institute, King’s College London and the Department of War Studies, King’s College London.