On 24–25 September 2025, the European Values Center for Security Policy (EVC), in cooperation with the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS), co-hosted a Two-theater escalation simulation (table-top Exercise) in Paris.
The closed-door policy simulation brought together over 40 participants representing allied governments, the military, and the expert community.
The exercise focused on the growing geopolitical tensions in increasingly intertwined Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic theaters. China’s ongoing support for Russia—combined with North Korea’s military involvement—has enabled Moscow to sustain its war against Ukraine. At the same time, Beijing is intensifying its military and political pressure on Taiwan while actively challenging the regional order in coordination with Russia. Both revisionist powers are not only aligning their strategic objectives but also mirroring each other’s tactics, from submarine warfare to disinformation campaigns, at an unprecedented level. This convergence poses an escalating challenge for Europe, the United States, and other like-minded partners.
The primary objective of the exercise was to foster a shared understanding of potential developments, stakeholder responses, and cross-domain impacts in the event of a crisis in East Asia. Through scenario-based discussions and collaborative analysis, participants sought to enhance EU internal coordination, reinforce France’s strategic posture, and promote broader cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners. Ultimately, the initiative aims to contribute to coherent and effective policy responses that support regional stability and uphold shared democratic values.