On April 26, the symposium “Changes in the Global Order and China’s Foreign Strategy from the Perspective of Constructing an Independent Knowledge System” was held at Peking University. The event, which also served as a thematic seminar of the Ministry of Education’s Philosophy and Social Sciences Innovation Team, was jointly organized by iGCU and the Innovation Team on “Changes in the Global Order and China–U.S. Relations.”
Prof. Chu Xiaobo (Vice President of Peking University) delivered the opening remarks. Keynote speeches were delivered by Prof. Xing Guangcheng (Chair Professor in the School of Global and Regional Studies and Member of Academic Divisions at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences) and Prof. Ye Zicheng (Professor in the School of International Studies and Founding Director of the China Center for Strategic Studies, Peking University), respectively. The opening ceremony was chaired by Prof. Wang Dong (Professor at the School of International Studies and Executive Director of iGCU, Peking University).
Group photo of the participants
In his opening remarks, Prof. Chu noted that the Philosophy and Social Sciences Innovation Team is an important vehicle for advancing organized research in philosophy and social sciences in the new era and for meeting strategic national needs, especially in education. It is also a key platform for cultivating high-level academic teams and producing landmark innovative achievements, as well as a strategic support for accelerating the construction of China’s independent knowledge system and enhancing the core competitiveness of China’s philosophy and social sciences. He outlined three expectations for the Innovation Team: to advance strategic research that serves the country’s most fundamental interests and broader diplomatic agenda; to uphold theoretical originality and effectively tell China’s story through an independent knowledge system; and to build a high-quality academic team and cultivate leading talents through collaborative innovation.
Prof. Xing analyzed the structural antagonism of the Cold War bipolar order and systematically examined the profound geopolitical transformations of the post-Cold War era. Looking back at history, he argued that within the strategic triangular configuration among China, the United States, and the Soviet Union, China independently upheld a crucial pole and creatively defined its role in the world order. He also explicitly refuted claims that “China, the United States, and Russia have entered Cold War 2.0,” describing such views as constituting a one-sided interpretation and improper stigmatization of China’s diplomatic role.
Keynote speech by Prof. Xing
Taking the essence of Chinese culture as his point of departure and Huaxiaism as his analytical entry point, Prof. Ye examined paradigm shifts in the global order. By synthesizing and distilling the intellectual essence of Daoism, Confucianism, and Legalism, he proposed the theory of Huaxiaism, arguing that these three traditions respectively illuminate the underlying logic of state governance from the dimensions of spiritual thought, cultural education, and national governance. At a time when the Western-led global order paradigm is mired in difficulties, Huaxiaism, deeply rooted in China’s historical traditions and social practices, embodies holistic thinking, the doctrine of harmony and moderation, and a conception of transformation. It therefore contributes Chinese methodologies, values, and governance approaches to the international community.
Keynote speech by Ye Zicheng
The opening ceremony gathered over thirty experts and scholars from several universities and research institutes, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, the University of International Business and Economics, China Foreign Affairs University, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China People’s Liberation Army National Defense University, and Jinan University.
Prof. Wang Dong chaired the first session, “Changes in the Global Order from the Perspective of Constructing an Independent Knowledge System.” Prof. Wu Yuzhang (Chair Professor at Renmin University of China) and Prof. Jin Canrong (Director of the Center for China’s Foreign Strategy Studies) argued that amid intensifying China–U.S. comprehensive competition, China’s independent knowledge system should move beyond Western-centrism and avoid the uncritical adoption of Western theories. Similarly, Prof. Ding Dou (Professor at the School of International Studies, Peking University) emphasized the need for China to promote the iterative development of independent concepts based on the critical absorption of Western theories. Focusing on diplomacy, Dr. Liu Qing (Vice President and Research Fellow in the China Institute of International Studies) stressed the importance of developing an independent theory of diplomacy by integrating think-tank diplomacy theory with practice.
Addressing transformations in the global order, Prof. Dai Changzheng (Head of the Department of Political Science, Dean of the School of International Relations, and Dean of the Institute for National Security and Governance Studies at the University of International Business and Economics) analyzed the major manifestations and underlying drivers of changes in the global order vis-à-vis China’s efforts to build an independent knowledge system. He predicted that a pluralistic “mosaic-like” configuration would emerge over the next two decades, characterized by the coexistence of four types of order. Prof. Sun Xuefeng (Professor in the Department of International Relations and Dean of the Institute of International Relations, Tsinghua University) observed that the current global and East Asian security orders differ markedly from those of the Cold War era, adding that historical experience will continue to shape the strategic preferences of major powers.
Speeches by participants in Session One
Asst. Prof. Dai Weijing (Assistant Professor at the School of International Studies, Peking University) chaired the second session, “Major-Power Competition and the Evolution of the Strategic Balance among China, the United States, Russia, and Europe.” On the evolving international order and major-power relations, Prof. Ni Feng (President, Chinese Association of American Studies; Research Fellow, Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences) discussed changes in the global distribution of power from the Cold War to the present, particularly transitions among China, the United States, Russia, and Europe. He argued that the current international system has its distinctive characteristics, displaying a more complex and pluralistic development pattern. Prof. Feng Zhongping (Director, Institute of European Studies; President, China Association for European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences) analyzing the China–U.S.–Europe triangular relationship, noted signs of weakening within the traditional Western security bond, with implications for both the trilateral relations and the broader global security landscape.
Addressing the current development of a multi-axis world system, Prof. Wu Dahui (Professor in the Department of International Relations and Deputy Dean of the Institute for Russian Studies, Tsinghua University) argued that although the world is moving toward a multi-axis structure, the Washington axis remains the most powerful. Against the backdrop of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, he further analyzed the axis system Russia is seeking to construct. Focusing on U.S. strategic priorities, Dr. Zhao Jianwei (Postdoctoral Fellow, School of International Studies, Peking University) examined the interconnections among the U.S. domestic economy, the U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict, and the U.S. midterm elections, starting from the current hierarchy of U.S. strategic priorities.
Speeches by participants in Session Two
Assoc. Prof. Qi Haotian (Tenured Associate Professor at the School of International Studies and Secretary-General of iGCU, Peking University) chaired the third session, “China–U.S. Strategic Competition and the Asia–Pacific Order: Economic, Geopolitical, and Maritime Security Issues.” On the evolving Asia–Pacific order, Prof. Yang Bojiang (Director of the Institute of Japanese Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; President, Chinese Association for Japanese Studies) stated that the region is becoming increasingly fragmented and marked by highly uncertain overall prospects. He highlighted the structural changes within the U.S. alliance system, the expanding, more direct influence of U.S. allies on regional affairs, and the continuously expanding spillover effects of geopolitical competition. Similarly, Prof. Yu Tiejun (Professor at the School of International Studies and Dean of the Institute of International and Strategic Studies, Peking University) argued that while the existing international configuration has not completely collapsed, the United States is undergoing a period of strategic adjustment and East Asia’s pursuit of greater security autonomy continues to intensify.
Other participants centered their discussions on geoeconomics and maritime dimensions of strategic competition. Prof. Zhu Wenli (Professor in the Department of International Political Economy, School of International Studies, and Distinguished Research Fellow in the Institute of International and Strategic Studies at Peking University) examined developments in third-party trade and the evolution of the global economic and trade landscape from a geoeconomic perspective. Prof. Ju Hailong (Dean of the School of International Studies/Academy of Overseas Chinese Studies and Dean of the 21st Century Silk Road Research Institute at Jinan University) analyzed the construction of an independent knowledge system in maritime security through the lens of a holistic approach to international security. Research Prof. Hu Bo (Research Fellow in the School of International Studies and Director of the Center for Maritime Strategy Studies at Peking University) argued that China–U.S. major-power competition is highly distinctive and complex and should not be simply compared with earlier historical cases of great-power rivalry. He further noted that technological progress, institutional rule-making, and geographical factors are likely to decentralize power and prolong strategic competition.
Speeches by participants in Session Three
Assoc. Prof. Lian Chaoqun (Deputy Director and Tenured Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Culture, Peking University) chaired the fourth session, “New Developments in the Middle East and the Reshaping of the Global Landscape.” Assoc. Prof. Wu Bingbing (Director of the Department of Arabic Language and Culture and Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, School of Foreign Languages, Peking University) analyzed the legitimacy controversies surrounding the U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict, noting that the conflict poses a serious challenge to U.S. hegemony in the Middle East. Nonetheless, he argued that such dominance is likely to persist in the short term, while the prospects for a negotiated settlement remain limited. Dr. Tang Zhichao (Director and Research Fellow, Political Studies Division, Institute of West-Asian and African Studies; Director, Center for Middle Eastern Development and Governance Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences) emphasized that the current conflict reflects competition over both regional and global orders and is marked by significant uncertainty. He noted the accelerated emergence of a new security configuration in the Persian Gulf, the waning perceptions of U.S. military superiority, and the growing interconnectedness of various global security issues.
Focusing on regional dynamics and future trajectories, Prof. Gao Shangtao (Professor at the Institute of International Relations and Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at China Foreign Affairs University) analyzed the influence of regional proxy networks and Iran’s Kurdish affairs on broader Middle Eastern developments, emphasizing the need to assess these dynamics within a multilateralist framework. Zhu Zhaoyi (Executive Director of the Middle East Institute at the Think Tank of Peking University HSBC Business School) argued that further escalation of military conflict among the United States, Israel, and Iran is unlikely, and that Washington will instead rely primarily on economic pressure to continue containing Iran.
Speeches by participants in Session Four
Chen Shaofeng (Tenured Associate Professor, School of International Studies, Peking University) chaired the fifth session, “Exploring China’s Foreign Strategy from the Perspective of Constructing an Independent Knowledge System.” On transformations in the international system and China’s strategic choices, Prof. Tang Yongsheng (Professor at the National Security College of the People’s Liberation Army National Defense University; Major General) argued that the world today is experiencing intertwined turbulence and transformation, with the underlying logic of the international system undergoing profound changes. He noted that the existing world system is approaching saturation and entering a transitional stage between old and new orders, making it necessary for China to scientifically and clearly define its strategic choices. Dr. Wang Honggang (Director, Institute of Peaceful Development, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences) argued that China should continue strengthening its national capabilities, expanding external space, managing external security costs, and enhancing its international discourse power and prestige in service of national strategic objectives.
Focusing on the development of an independent knowledge system and China’s external engagements, Prof. Chen Qi (Professor in the Department of International Relations, School of Social Sciences, and Director of the Center for China–U.S. Relations at Tsinghua University) stated that the construction of an independent knowledge system is driven by strategic competition in international knowledge production and the needs of the times. He emphasized the importance of establishing an academic foundation for a theory of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era and advancing its internal development and dissemination capacity. Prof. Zha Daojiong (Professor in the School of International Studies and the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development at Peking University) examined the future trajectory of the world economy, advocating greater mutual learning and international exchange while stressing practical issues such as overseas interests, the development of Chinese-funded enterprises abroad, and the security of critical minerals, to balance opening-up with risk prevention.
Speeches by participants in Session Five
Prof. Wang Dong delivered the closing remarks to conclude the symposium. He expressed sincere gratitude to the participating experts, stressing that their cutting-edge findings and profound reflections were highly illuminating. He stated that the Innovation Team would carefully absorb their opinions and suggestions and incorporate them into its future research, thereby contributing to the construction and development of an independent knowledge system for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics.
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