In May 2024, 45 students from EcoS and other study programs took part in the VU Strategic Gaming event focused on the South China Sea Dispute, organized by Alfred Gerstl and Martin Mandl.

The students, acting as representatives of the key parties involved in the conflict—including China, the US, ASEAN, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, the EU, and Japan—swiftly resolved a critical incident on the first day through bilateral and multilateral negotiations.

On the second day, they successfully mitigated additional incidents and concluded several bilateral agreements. However, the fundamental issues underlying the dispute remain unresolved, necessitating further negotiations scheduled for the winter semester of 2024/25.