Sophie Reiß researches political and social debates in China and party state communication in German and European information spaces. In addition, she works on local and regional politics in China. She also brings in her previous expertise on China’s relations with Germany and the EU, as well as Beijing’s policies towards Hong Kong and Taiwan. Prior to joining MERICS, Sophie Reiß gained work experience for instance as a trainee at the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS). After a language program at Zhejiang University, she obtained her BA in European Studies at Maastricht University and completed an MA in Chinese Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong as well as a second MA in International Relations and Diplomacy Studies at the College of Europe in Bruges.
Policy Project: Preparedness of the EU regarding interference (especially disinformation) in light of the 2024 European elections - assessment of Chinese policy material on the issue and readiness/responses in the EU and member states
Due to recent reports (e.g. Canada) about influence on elections and public opinion from/by China, I find the case of the European election 2024 interesting. I would like to see if/how this is reported and discussed in China (influence on the EU in general but also specifically on the election), whether there are official reports on goals or methods, for example, as on other topics. Based on this I would like to see if this is known and followed in Europe (especially on EU level, but also in research and national level, also depending on shadowing possibilities), or if there are already "resilience building" approaches (EU vs Disinfo would be a starting point).
