Peking University, April 17, 2018: On April 12, 2018, the opening ceremony of Institute of Area Studies and academic seminars were held at Sunshine Hall of Yingjie Overseas Exchange Center. Lin Jianhua, president of Peking University, Qian Chengdan, director of Institute of Area Studies, Peng Long, president of Beijing Foreign Studies University, and other leaders and scholars attended the ceremony.
Lin Jianhua, president of Peking University, made a speech in which he explained the background and necessity for strengthening area studies and detailed the advantages and challenges that Peking University have in area studies.
Qian Chengdan, director of Institute of Area Studies, Peking University, introduced the three aspects of the development plan for Institute of Area Studies, namely its significances, advantages and goals.
Lin Jianhua issuing an appointment letter to Qian Chengdan
Peng Long, president of Beijing Foreign Studies University, congratulated the establishment of Institute of Area Studies in his speech. He believed that the institute would become an outstanding example for Chinese higher education institutions and a leader in the field of area studies in China.
Liu Xincheng, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, shared his views on how to conduct area studies in terms of think tank functions.
The opening ceremony
After the speeches, Lin Jianhua, Qian Chengdan, Liu Xincheng, and Tao Hongjian jointly inaugurated the institute.
The opening ceremony was followed by academic seminars. In Tianxia Forum, Wang Jisi, Shen Zhihua and Rong Xinjiang delivered keynote speeches on area studies. Wang expounded on the academic foundation of region and country-specific studies. Shen pointed out that the foundation of region and country-specific studies was history research and that the basis for understanding neighboring countries was archives. Rong introduced the history and significance of central Asian studies conducted in PKU and gave an outlook from different perspectives.
In the afternoon, Boya Workshop was held at School of Economics. Scholars respectively participated in four panels: “The Experience, Theory and Method of area Studies”, “China and Neighbors: Trends and Opportunities”, “Historical Developments and New Problems in the Middle East” and “Europe’s Challenges and Options.”
Seminar scene
The year of 2018 is Peking University’s 120th anniversary. The establishment of Institute of Area Studies, at a time with special historical significance, is exemplary for the next phase of discipline reforms in Peking University. This year is also the 5th anniversary of Belt and Road Initiative. With the advancement of the Initiative, it is of great necessity to conduct systematic and in-depth research of different regions in the world. PKU Institute of Area Studies, in concert with the national strategy, will make important contributions to areas such as academic research, personnel training and academic exchange.
Written by: Ma Yaoli
Edited by: Hu Rong
