Knowledge Sessions
At the China Knowledge Network, we host monthly knowledge sessions that delve into various aspects of China's economy, politics, worldview, society, relationship with the Netherlands and the rest of the world. For those unable to attend live, recordings of past sessions are available on our website.
CKN Knowledge Session - Taiwanese Perspectives on Russia’s War in Ukraine by Dr. Covell Meyskens
In this CKN Knowledge Session we explore Taiwan’s perspectives on Russia’s War in Ukraine. It a very topical subject, given how Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are discussing to end the war in Ukraine. Some people in Taiwan might understandably wonder whether something similar could ever happen to them: a deal struck by Trump and Xi without the direct involvement of Taiwan’s leadership.
How Pig-Butchering Scams are Spreading from China to the Netherlands
In this CKN Knowledge session with Dr. Rao Yichen, we will explore the global rise of digital scams, with a particular focus on “pig-butchering scams” (杀猪盘) and their impact on both global China and Dutch society. Digital fraud has become a pressing issue worldwide, transcending cultural and geopolitical boundaries. One of the newer forms is the “pig-butchering” scam, a sophisticated online fraud scheme where victims—often approached on social media and dating apps—are slowly manipulated into making fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. These scams, which first emerged in China, have now expanded globally, affecting thousands of victims—including in the Netherlands.
Xiaohongshu's Revelations about China in 2025
In this CKN Knowledge session we will delve into the recent developments surrounding Xiaohongshu (also known as RED or Little Red Book), a very influential Chinese social media platforms that has received a lot of attention, especially outside China. The sudden influx of of international users following the threatened TikTok ban in the United States has led to fascinating interactions between Chinese and international internet users. We will delve into questions about Xiaohongshu’s governance and its (and China’s government’s) response to this new and unexpected popularity. Equally important, we will explore discussions about societal debates within China and what that reveals about life in the PRC.
Challenging Power - The Paradox of Government Accountability in China’s Legal System
The focus of this session is the rule of law in China, with particular attention to legal disputes in which citizens challenge government entities, with keynote speaker Dr. Qiao Congrui and discussant Wang Yang. Dr. Qiao Congrui, will share insights from cases involving labour actions, land disputes, and administrative petitions. After providing a brief overview of the historical roots of China's legal system, Ms. Qiao will argue there’s a paradox of government accountability within China’s singular political structure. She will highlight thought-provoking trends, such as the increasing percentage of court rulings favouring plaintiffs against the government: from just 6% in 2010 to 25% by 2019.