People’s Daily Online, Beijing, January 10th (Reporters: Gao Shi, Liu Rong) — On January 9th, the academic symposium themed "Looking Ahead to 2024: World Order and Regional Dynamics Amidst a Century of Unprecedented Changes" was held at Renmin University of China (RUC), coinciding with the inauguration of the Institute of Regional and Country Studies (IRCS). Distinguished guests and scholars in attendance emphasized that strengthening the development of regional and country studies is a top priority for China's diplomacy to uphold fundamental principles and break new ground. Under the new circumstances, it is imperative to formulate precise regional and country strategies that adapt to the new era of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, thereby making fresh and greater contributions to opening up new prospects for such diplomacy.

In his speech, Zhang Donggang, Secretary of the CPC RUC Committee, stated that regional and country studies are not merely an academic discipline for universities but also a "discipline of great powers." He expressed the hope that the IRCS will uphold its distinctive character, provide insightful answers to the questions posed by China, the world, the people, and the times, blaze a new trail in research, and develop regional and country studies with Chinese characteristics, style, and ethos. This will create a more favorable international environment and provide solid strategic support for comprehensively advancing the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization.

Ai Ping, Vice President of the China International Exchange Association and former Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, noted in his address that the establishment of the IRCS will offer intellectual and talent support for serving China's diplomacy in the new era, implementing the "Three Global Initiatives," promoting mutual learning among human civilizations, and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

During the inauguration ceremony, Yue Xiaoyong, Special Envoy of the Chinese Foreign Ministry for Afghan Affairs, Yang Dan, President of Beijing Foreign Studies University, Jiang Feng, former Secretary of the CPC Committee of Shanghai International Studies University, and Ning Qi, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and Vice President of Peking University, delivered keynote speeches. They focused on constructing an independent Chinese knowledge system for regional and country studies and promoting the new prospects of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.

Yue Xiaoyong observed that changes in the world, times, and history are unfolding in unprecedented ways. The new situation and goals demand a deeper understanding of the external world, an accurate grasp of the evolving international landscape and structure, and more comprehensive and in-depth research into various countries and regions. Consequently, it is essential to formulate precise regional and country strategies tailored to the new era of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.

Yang Dan argued that as an interdisciplinary subject, regional and country studies place higher demands on universities' academic capabilities, governance, service, innovation, and global vision. She encouraged the IRCS to ground itself in China's realities, address Chinese issues, refine Chinese expressions, pool Chinese wisdom, and enhance the scientific nature, foresight, initiative, and creativity of academic research to serve major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics at a high level.

Ning Qi stated that conducting regional and country studies requires in-depth research into key countries, analyzing their representative features and issues, identifying commonalities and differences within regions, explaining the profound connections between history and reality, and fostering the inclusive coexistence and mutual respect of diverse cultures.

In the academic seminar session, numerous scholars exchanged views on topics such as "Prospects for the World Political and Economic Order in 2024" and "Analysis of Regional Situations Amidst a Century of Unprecedented Changes." Speakers included Zhai Kun, Vice Dean of the Institute of Area Studies at Peking University; Zhou Qi, Dean of the Institute of Global Governance and Development at RUC; Luo Lin, Dean of the Institute of Country and Area Studies at Beijing Language and Culture University; Zhai Dongsheng, Dean of the IRCS and Vice Dean of the School of International Relations at RUC; Wu Hao, Dean of the School of Northeast Asian Studies at Jilin University; Liu Changming, Dean of the School of Northeast Asian Studies at Shandong University; and Li Zhiqiang, Dean of the School of International Relations at Sichuan University.