On December 21, UCASS Liangxiang Campus buzzed with intellectual energy as the School of Foreign Languages and the School of International Politics and Economics teamed up to host the 3rd Forum on Area Studies. The event featured remarks by Cui Weihang, Party Secretary of UCASS; Zhai Kun, Convener of the Area Studies Review Group within the Academic Degrees Committee of the State Council; Luo Lin, Member of the Review Group and Director of the Ministry of Education Secretariat for Area Studies; and Zhang Yuyan, Member of CASS and Dean of UCASS School of International Politics and Economics. The opening ceremony was chaired by Zhan Long, Assistant President of UCASS.

In his address, Cui Weihang emphasized the necessity to guide the area studies in the new era with Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. Such scholarly pursuits should orient themselves around national strategies, and strive towards sparking cross-civilization cultural exchanges, building a new model of international relations, and advancing the vision of community with shared future for humanity. He highlighted the efforts of UCASS to integrate academic and policy research resources from CASS International Studies, gathering a top-tier talent pool for area studies. The university also pledged continued support for its disciplinary development.

The forum split into two dynamic tracks. Forum I, moderated by Gao Hailong, Executive Dean of the School of Foreign Languages, focused on the theme of “Theoretical Framework and Disciplinary Development of Area Studies.” Whereas Forum II, chaired by Wang Hua, Executive Dean of the School of International Politics and Economics, explored the theme of “Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Synergy in Area Studies.”

The forum facilitated trans-institutional and cross-disciplinary dialogue, providing a vibrant platform for scholars to navigate the avenues of disciplinary development as it deepens theoretical and practical insights into area studies. Key consensus was reached on advancing its development with Chinese characteristics and nurturing specialized talent. The resounding success of this gathering not only provided valuable experience and takeaways for UCASS disciplinary development but also strengthened academic exchange and mutual learning within the field.