Sinologist Susanne Weigelin-Schwiedrzik says that China is showing an unusually strong interest in Europe. Speaking in Braunau, she described Europe as a "springboard" China can use to gain more weight in international affairs. Her wording frames that interest as strategic, with an aim to increasing Chinese influence beyond the region. It suggests that Europe has become an important arena for Beijing's broader ambitions. At the same time, the short account does not set out the full range of policies she discussed during the interview. Her comments leave open how China approaches cooperation and competition with European countries. The central point she makes is that Europe has become an important platform for China's efforts to expand its global standing.