Conference of the Consortium for Country and Area Studies (CCAS)

Country and Area Studies and International Cooperation

Conference Programme

Theme: Country and Area Studies and International Cooperation

Sponsor: Consortium of Country and Area Studies

       Beijing Foreign Studies University

Organizer: Academy of Regional and Global Governance, Beijing Foreign Studies University

Time: 14:00-22:00 (UTC+8), April 28, 2023

Zoom meeting QR code：

Meeting ID: 870 0583 2685

Passcode: 0428

Working languages: Chinese, English, French

14:00-14:40 (UTC+8)	Opening Remarks	Moderator：JIA Wenjian Vice President, BFSU
		JIN Liqun		President,   Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
		Abdyrakhmanov T.A.		President, Kyrgyz   National University
		Alisher Abidjanov		Vice-Rector   for International Cooperation, Uzbekistan State World Languages University
		YANG Dan		President,   BFSU; Secretary-General of CCAS
14:40-16:10 (UTC+8)	Keynote Speeches I	Moderator：JIA Wenjian Vice President, BFSU
		YANG   Dan		Equal International Exchange and   Cooperation for a Shared Discipline of Country and Area Studies
		President, BFSU; Secretary-General of   CCAS
		Marco A. Cabero Z.		A New Blueprint for Cooperation: the   SCIENCE CULTURE CONSTRUCTION Fostering Innovation and Green Development
		President, Andean Road Countries for   Science and Technology
		HAN Dongyu		Country and Area Studies:  National and International Perspectives
		Former   Vice President, Northeast Normal University Director, Institute of East Asian Studies
	Question and Answer
16:10-17:10 (UTC+8)	Panel I	Moderator：LI  Hongfeng Dean,   School of African Studies, BFSU
		Paskal   Zhelev		ASECU's   Contribution to the Promotion of Cross-cultural and Interdisciplinary Dialogue   in Economics Education and Research
		Vice-Dean,   School of International Economics and Politics, University of National and   World Economy
		Humphrey P. B. Moshi		International   Cooperation Remains a Must
		Director, Centre for Chinese Studies,   University of Dar es Salaam
		Dognon Elavagnon Dorothée		The Impact of Audiovisual in the   China-Africa Cultural Cooperation
		Researcher, National Institute of Art,   Archaeology and Culture of Benin
	Question and Answer
17:10-17:40 (UTC+8)	Moderator：ZHOU   Xinyu Vice   Dean, Academy of Regional and Global Governance, BFSU
	Announcements		WANG Zhanpeng Vice Dean, Academy   of Regional and Global Governance, BFSU
			Li Youwen Vice Dean, Academy   of Regional and Global Governance, BFSU
19:00-20:10 (UTC+8)	Panel II	Moderator：WANG   Jianbin Executive   Vice Dean, Academy of Regional and Global Governance, BFSU
		André Luiz Reis da Silva		International Cooperation for the Development   of a New Approach to Country and Area Studies
		Associate Professor, Federal University of Rio Grande do   Sul
		Ararat Kostanian		The   Armenian Communities in Area and Regional Studies
		Research Fellow, National Academy of   Sciences of Armenia Doctoral Candidate, Indonesian   International Islamic University
		Mónica Ahumada Figueroa		China, Latin American and the Caribbean: the   Impact of The Belt and Road Initiative in the Last Decade
		Professor, University of Santiago, Chile
		YE Xingyi		Integration and Consolidation: Promoting   Coordinated Country and Area Studies with International Cooperation
		Executive Vice Dean, School of ASEAN, Guangxi   Minzu University Dean, China-ASEAN Country and Area   Studies Institute
	Question and Answer
20:10-21:40 (UTC+8)	Keynote Speeches II	Moderator：XIE   Tao Dean,   School of International Relations and Diplomacy, BFSU
		TANG Shiqi		Issues in Country and Area Studies
		Dean, School of International   Studies, Peking University
		FAN Zuojun		Disciplinary Development of Country and   Area Studies for ASEAN at Guangxi University: Demand and Supply
		Vice President, Guangxi University
		Richard William Miller		The U.S. Anti-China Offensive
		Hutchinson Professor in Ethics and Public   Life Emeritus, Department of Philosophy, Cornell University
	Question and Answer
21:40-21:50 (UTC+8)	Closing Remarks	ZHAO Gang		Vice President, BFSU

Overview of the Consortium of Country and Area Studies

The Consortium of Country and Area Studies (CCAS) is an international academic network initiated by the Global Alliance of Foreign Studies Universities (GAFSU), and was launched in Beijing on April 29, 2022, with its Secretariat hosted by Beijing Foreign Studies University.

GAFSU is an open, non-profit organization initiated by Beijing Foreign Studies University in May 2017 in collaboration with 30 universities around the world featuring foreign language teaching and research, as well as country and area studies. Currently, GAFSU has 37 members from 19 countries.

CCAS brings together more than 300 reputed scholars in related fields from more than 180 countries around the world. Researchers are invited to join the CCAS voluntarily and on an individual basis to collaborate and promote country and area studies.

CCAS is dedicated to crossing disciplinary boundaries and exploring the question of scope and relevance of Country and Area Studies, responding to new realities, problems and challenges at national, regional, and global levels, and integrating Country and Area Studies with traditional disciplines such as foreign language and literature, history, politics, economics, management, law, media and communication in terms of talent development and knowledge innovation. It also strives to enhance mutual understanding among peoples in the world to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

The motto of CCAS is “Better Understanding, Better World”. It is committed to the principles of "Diversity in Perspectives, Inclusiveness in Coverage, Originality in Research, and Depth in Understanding". It also works to promote research on global issues and global governance.

CCAS pools researchers globally to build a high-caliber academic platform for synergetic cooperation and will organize academic visits to BFSU and other GAFSU universities, promote joint research, organize international conferences, and publish research outcomes. It will also provide public goods, strategic thinking, and recommendations for the development and innovation of this emerging discipline and promote dialogue and mutual learning between Chinese and international scholars.

SPEAKERS

(In alphabetical order of surname)

Abdyrakhmanov T.A.

President, Kyrgyz National University

Alisher Abidjanov

Vice-Rector for International Cooperation Uzbekistam State World Languages University

Dognon Elavagnon Dorothée

Researcher, National Institute of Art, Archaeology and Culture of Benin

FAN Zuojun

Vice President, Guangxi University

HAN Dongyu

Former Vice President, Northeast Normal University

Director, Institute of East Asian Studies

Mónica Ahumada Figueroa

Professor, University of Santiago, Chile

JIA Wenjian

Vice President, BFSU

JIN Liqun

President, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Ararat Kostanian

Research Fellow, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia

Doctoral Candidate, Indonesian International Islamic University

LI Hongfeng

Dean, School of African Studies, BFSU

LI Youwen

Vice Dean, Academy of Regional and Global Governance, BFSU

Richard William Miller

Hutchinson Professor in Ethics and Public Life Emeritus, Department of Philosophy, Cornell University

Humphrey P. B. Moshi

Director, Centre for Chinese Studies, University of Dar es Salaam

André Luiz Reis da Silva

Associate Professor, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

TANG Shiqi

Dean, School of International Studies, Peking University

WANG Jianbin

Executive Vice Dean, Academy of Regional and Global Governance, BFSU

WANG Zhanpeng

Vice Dean, Academy of Regional and Global Governance, BFSU

XIE Tao

Dean, School of International Relations and Diplomacy, BFSU

YANG Dan

President, BFSU；Secretary-General of CCAS

YE Xingyi

Executive Vice Dean, School of ASEAN, Guangxi Minzu University

Dean, China-ASEAN Country and Area Studies Institute

Marco A Cabero Z.

President, Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology

ZHAO Gang

Vice President, BFSU

Paskal Zhelev

Vice-Dean, School of International Economics and Politics, University of National and World Economy

ZHOU Xinyu

Vice Dean, Academy of Regional and Global Governance, BFSU

Abstract

Humphrey P.B. Moshi

Topic：International Cooperation Remains a Must

Abstract：May I, at the outset, thank the organizers of this event for giving me the opportunity and privilege to be part of this gathering.In the same vein, I would like to congratulate them for choosing a subject matter which is topical and relevant at all times.Indeed,it will continue to remain so for many decades in the future.

May I remind the audience that the current wave of globalization has been driven by international trade and investment, and aided by information and communication technology(ICT). This process has effects on environment,on culture, on political systems,on economic development and prospects, and on human physical well-being in societies across the globe.

In order to tap and seize the unfolding opportunities and address the challenges associated with globalization,governments,around the world,have negotiated and established international agreements to promote trade in goods, services, and investment, coupled with those which address issues of peace and security, human rights abuses, food security, global pandemics,environment,etc.,just to mention a few.

These international agreements have given birth, not only to multilateral organizations, such as the UN and its agencies: Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO), World Health Organization(WHO), World Food Programme(WFP), but also to other international organizations such as World Trade Organization(WTO), the World Bank(WB)and the International Monetary Fund(IMF).

Certainly, these cited organizations have performed quite well in their areas of mandate and competency. For example, the UN as a world body, during its 75 years of existence has saved generations from the scourge of wars, spearheaded human rights and promoted socio-economic progress.

These institutional frameworks have now become and will continue to be the key pillars of international cooperation. This being the case, and given that the world is borderless, international cooperation is a MUST, in addressing national, regional and global challenges. Notwithstanding reversals and hypocritical behavior by some countries, such as the USA; Coupled with recent public sentiments heralding deglobalization.

Indeed, in the last three years, the world has been facing a serious challenge of COVID-19, which has impacted negatively on global economies and people’s lives. Surely, in the battle against the pandemic aimed at achieving three objectives:saving lives, reopening societies and rebuilding economies. However, in order to achieve these objectives effectively, again, international cooperation becomes a MUST or an indispensable vehicle. The same applies when it comes to issues of addressing poverty, climate change, conflicts, health and debt–crisis. In this regard, China, through its various cooperation arrangements, such as the FOCAC, BRI, among others, has not only shown the way, but has also consistently abided by her stipulated five principles of economic, political and social cooperation.

Let me conclude my intervention by underscoring the following three aspects: One, international cooperation continues to be relevant to date and in the future. Two, international cooperation is acknowledged as the biggest driver of global social and economic prosperity, as well as a key promoter of green and sustainable development. Three, international cooperation remains a framework for creating a more just and more sustainable world. These three areas of emphasis are a clear testimony to the fact that, international cooperation is an indispensable tool in inter-dependent and inter-connected world. Therefore, it needs to be propagated, cherished and preserved for the benefits of the current and future generations.

Dognon Elavagnon Dorothée

Topic：l’impact de l’audiovisuel dans la coopération culturelle entre la Chine et l’Afrique

Abstract：Cet article a pour but d’analyser les relations entre la Chine et l’Afrique subsaharienne en matière des échanges culturelles et de voir le rôle de l’audiovisuel dans le renforcement de cette diplomatie culturelle. Ainsi à travers le cas du cinéma, cet article entend questionner les modalités et formes d’action de la diplomatie culturelle chinoise dans le domaine de la promotion, la circulation et l’exportation des biens et services culturelles pour changer les paradigmes et les préjugés les mécontentements des populations d’Afrique subsaharienne et les inquiétudes des anciens partenaires traditionnels des pays africains. La recherche documentaire qualitative, des rapports gouvernementaux, internationaux et d’organisations non gouvernementales, des résumés de conférence, de la géopolitique, et nos expériences de vie des dix années en Chines seront notre démarche méthodologique. Les résultats de notre recherchent ont montré que le cinéma est un atout pour renforcer la coopération sino-africaine dans tous les domaines surtout dans le domaine de la diplomatie culturelle.

Mots-clés : Chine, Afrique, audiovisuel, cinéma, diplomatie culturelle

Paskal Zhelev

Topic：ASECU's Contribution to the Promotion of Cross-cultural and Interdisciplinary Dialogue in Economics Education and Research

Abstract：

- Background information on the Association of Economic Universities of South and Eastern Europe and the Black Sea Region (ASECU) and its mission

- Importance of interdisciplinary and cross-cultural dialogue in economics education and research

- ASECU's activities promoting cross-cultural and interdisciplinary dialogue

- Challenges and opportunities for ASECU's interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approach.

Mónica Ahumada Figueroa

Topic：China, Latin American and the Caribbean: The Impact of The Belt and Road Initiative in the Last Decade

Abstract：The connections built between China and Latin America and the Caribbean-LAC have long standing trajectory, however, since the government of President Xi Jinping and the beginning of the foreign policy substantiated in the Chinese dream and the introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative-BRI (2013), show us a turning point for the region. The search for a New World Order, drew attention to China, not only as a world power, but also as an actor in search for new areas of cooperation focused on a South-South strategy. This allows to bring into context a new space for the LAC region in which approaches between states beyond bilateral diplomatic relations intertwine in search of a Community with a Common Destination.

The research problem manifests itself upon China’s search for a regional space in LAC and in strengthening new bonds, but at the same time finds itself with the fact that this geopolitical area historically has been monopolized by the United States defending their rights substantiated by the Monroe Doctrine in the past two centuries. The question that arises is: What is the impact of the Chinese presence when advancing on a long-term view with the BRI and, on the other hand, the demand of the USA towards LAC to remain as strategic allies appealing to common trajectory with a strong presence in Central America and Panama while at the same time showing that their interests are in other continents.

Along this line, the hypothesis contemplates how China, a rising power, has a long-term strategy expressed on the BRI, allowing it to gradually broaden their diplomatic and business relations in LAC, but at the same time has restricted the natural areas of North American influence in Central America and the Caribbean as has been demonstrated in the last decade.

This problem will be addressed considering four points of analysis which are: the policy of President Xi Jinping and his Chinese dream (Xi Jinping, 2013) expressed on a Tianxia system (Jorquera, 2021); the implementation of the BRI, with an emphasis on Central America and the Caribbean, in which Panama shows a turning point by being the first country of the region to sign the initiative (Heine, 2022 p. 268); the dispute between China and the United States shown in a trade war and expressed in the growing Chinese investments in the region (Labarca, C., Montt Strabucchi, 2023) and the Chinese revitalization, with the recent commemorations of 50 years of diplomatic relations with many Latin American countries marking new cooperation agreements (Merino, Rigueiro, Iglecias, 2022).

These factors allow the exploration of the projections of China in the region as an strategic allied and in dispute with an historical allied as is the United States, but which beyond its geographic proximity, the weight of the region in the 21st century is given by the Asian giant. The importance of the emergence of China implies it now being known not only as the second world economic power, but also considering the opportunities of cooperation and the strengthening of comprehensive strategic alliances already signed in LAC (Borquez, 2019). The future behavior of the Field of Studies facilitates the understanding of the Chinese projections considering their gamble on becoming the first world power by the Centennial of the Proclamation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.