October                                    

International Cooperation Highlights

Guangdong Institute for International Strategies

Introduction：

In an effort to advance international cooperation and push forward the PRIME initiative of GDUFS as a whole, GIIS launched a number of programmes and activities throughout October. GIIS has made major strides towards internationalisation owing to the support of the GDUFS International Office.

Part 1. International Conferences

01: GDUFS-WUAS Project Confronce

On the afternoon of October 19th, a delegation from the Wittenberg University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands visited GIIS. The delegation was led by Peter Birdsall, President of Wittenberg University. During the visit, President Birdsall held a meeting on cooperation with the GIIS.

Prof. Li Qing welcomed the visiting delegation and introduced the development of GIIS and the Huangpu Institute of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Prof. Li put forward a cooperation program involving student exchanges and joint degree programs.

In response, President Birdsall expressed willingness to actively promote cooperation, specifically in pursuing a joint Master's degree program building on GIIS’ existing Campus EuroAsia Project.

02: International Academic Seminar on Bridging Civilizations for High Quality Civilizations and Quality Development between China and Europe (2023)

On October 22nd, GIIS hosted the International Academic Seminar on Bridging Civilizations for High Quality Civilizations and Quality Development between China and Europe (2023).

The seminar, with the theme“China-Europe Cooperation under the ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative: Achievements and Prospects”, was co-organized by GIIS, the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden (BRIX), 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road Studies (MSRSCIC), and the Center for European Studies at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. It was hosted by the Huangpu Institute of GDUFS.

Participants discussed the achievements, international contributions, and future prospects of the Belt and Road Initiative since its 10th anniversary. They put forth suggestions for further deepening civilization exchanges and China-EU cooperation in areas including politics, economics, society, and humanities.

03:The Belt and Road Institute in Sweden (BRIX) visited GDUFS.

On October 24th, a delegation from the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden (BRIX) visited Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS).

The delegation was led by BRIX Director Stephen Brawer. They were welcomed by GDUFS Vice President Jiao Fangtai and representatives from the University’s International Office, GIIS, and others.

During the visit, Vice President Jiao and Director Brawer exchanged perspectives on strengthening future exchanges and cooperation between BRIX and GDUFS’s various research centers and academic programs. Areas discussed included joint research initiatives, student and faculty exchanges, and collaboration on Belt and Road Initiative policy.

Part 2. Academic Salons

01: The 333rd Yunshan Academic Salon

On October 26th, 2023, GIIS hosted the 333rd Yunshan Academic Salon, featuring a lecture by Stephen Brawer, Director of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden (BRIX).

Titled “BRI: Bridging Civilizations between China and Europe”, the lecture was hosted by Dr. Bin Liu, a GIIS researcher. Director Brawer emphasized connections between the Belt and Road Initiative and traditional Chinese cultural values, highlighting the Initiative's inclusivity and role in fostering cross-cultural understanding.

He analyzed the histories of the UK and US, underscoring differences in their cooperation mechanisms. Brawer encouraged further support and promotion of the BRI to increase cultural exchanges between China and Europe and guide more countries to join this mutually beneficial economic and cultural interconnectedness.

The Yunshan Academic Salon provides a platform for scholars to exchange ideas related to the Belt and Road Initiative. GIIS hosts these salons regularly to facilitate discussion on BRI policy and research.

02: The 334th Yunshan Academic Salon

On October 27th, 2023, GIIS hosted the 334th Yunshan Academic Salon, featuring another lecture by Stephen Brawer, Director of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden (BRIX).

Titled “BRI: Bridging Civilizations between China and Europe”, the lecture was hosted by Dr. Dan Pei, a Yunshan Scholar at GIIS. Attended by GIIS faculty and students, Director Brawer began by praising China’s successful Shenzhou-17 mission, underscoring technology's strategic importance.

He discussed Europe’s economic ties with China but noted reservations about the Belt and Road Initiative. Brawer emphasized historical reflection for understanding China-EU relations and cited collaborative initiatives between the regions. He underscored the global significance of the Belt and Road Initiative going forward.

The Yunshan Academic Salon regularly hosts lectures by distinguished guest speakers on topics related to the Belt and Road Initiative.