In July 2022, Research on the Relationship between China and the Modern Pacific World and Research on Assuring Confidence in the Political System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, chaired by Prof. Wang Hua of the School of History and Prof. Chai Baoyong of the School of Government respectively, were approved as major projects sponsored by National Social Science Fund.

Anchored by the analytical framework of Pacific World, Research on the Relationship between China and the Modern Pacific World aspires to clarify the theoretical topics of relevant disciplines, and provide a systematic description of the dynamics and evolving relationships in the Pacific region since modern times. The project unfolds based on four sub-topics: Economic and systemic changes centering on trade; political dynamics in the Pacific from the perspective of political-diplomatic relations; population mobility, evolution of the immigrant communities and changing cultures from the immigrant and cultural perspective; and reshaping of the environment relationship in the Pacific World from an ecological perspective. As per Professor Wang Hua, this research aims to present historical facts with clarity, analyze and articulate their causes and characteristics, and shed light on the relationship between China and the Pacific World in its entirety since the 16th century.

Research on Assuring Confidence in the Political System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics is underpinned by four pillars, namely its historical, practical, theoretical and comparative logic. According to Prof. Chai Baoyong, the research on confidence in institutions encapsulates both political and theoretic components in its design, with the combination of subjectivity and reality. Therefore, the research project will not only integrate problem-driven approach with purpose-driven approach, but also combine interpretation with exploration in its orientation.