Profile of the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration

The Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration at China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) is a social science research base established by Beijing Planning Office of Philosophy and Social Science and Beijing Municipal Commission of Education. It was set up on December 13, 2005 and became operational in March 2006.

The aim of the research center is to promote Beijing as an international city, improving its international status and influence by providing theoretical and practical advice. In concrete terms, the center focuses on the following research areas: analyzing the function, status and effects of Beijing on China’s foreign policies as well as the methods and function of Beijing’s foreign exchanges; exploring the interaction between China’s foreign affairs and Beijing’s international development; advancing the rule of law as well as the capacity of institutional innovation in Beijing’s foreign exchanges and foreign affairs administration; increasing Beijing’s international competitiveness and promoting the international communication of the “Beijing Spirit”. The center pursues an open research agenda. Its researchers are mainly composed of CFAU professors. However, it welcomes participation of both domestic and international researchers, thus providing a cooperation forum for the study of Beijing's foreign exchanges and its foreign affairs administration. The center’s multi-disciplinary research places an emphasis on international relations, diplomatic studies and foreign affairs.

List of experts

Qin Yaqing: Professor Qin Yaqing is the President of CFAU and has been teaching at the university since 1984, serving as Deputy Director and Director of the English Department, Assistant to the CFAU President, Vice President and Party Secretary of CFAU. He is still actively engaged in professorial and doctoral supervisor duties. His main research fields include international relations theory and Chinese diplomacy. His main works include: The Hegemonic System and International Conflict; Power, Institutions and Culture; Relationship and Process: the Cultural Construction of China's International Relations Theory; China's 'New' Diplomacy: Tactical or Fundamental Change?; East Asian Cooperation 2009; and Contemporary Western Political Thoughts.

Zheng Qirong: Professor Zheng Qirong is a former Vice President of CFAU. His main research fields include contemporary international politics and Chinese diplomacy, international organizations and multilateral diplomacy. His main works include: The EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policies in the Global Perspective; China's Foreign Policy since the Reform and Opening Up (1978-2008); China’s UN Diplomacy.

Zhu Liqun: Professor Zhu Liqun is a Vice President of CFAU and undertakes professorial and doctoral supervisor duties. Her main research fields include international security, global governance and China’s diplomacy. Her main works include: The Organization and Structure of European Security; East Asian Cooperation and Sino-US Relations; China’s Engagement in the International System: Process and Practices.

Jiang Ruiping: Professor Jiang Ruiping is a CFAU Vice President and has been working at the university since 1998, serving as the Director of the Department of International Economics and Assistant to the CFAU President. He carries out professorial and doctoral supervisor duties. His main research fields include the world economy, East Asian cooperation, the Japanese economy and Sino-Japanese relations, and international political economy. His main works include Japanese Economy under Dramatic Changes: Observation and Reflections at the Turning of a New Century; Internationalization of the Japanese Yen in the Context of the East Asian Monetary Crisis and Reconstruction; Constructing the East Asian Community: Economic Foundation and Political Obstacles..

Wang Fan: Professor Wang Fan has been teaching at CFAU since 1992. He also worked in the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom from 1995 to 1997. He has served as the Director of the Institute of International Relations since 2006. He is a Vice President of CFAU, professor and doctoral supervisor. His main research fields include international security, security cooperation in East Asia, Sino-US relations, US-Taiwan military relations, and China's foreign strategies. His main works include America’s Alliance in the Asian-Pacific Region; The New Start—Complex Systematic Thinking and Strategic Planning of China’s Diplomacy; An Introduction to International Security.

Chen Zhirui: Professor Chen is Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Affairs Review. His main research fields include international relations theory, international relations history and strategic studies. His main works include: An Open International Society: the English School in IR Studies; Challenges and Choices.

Sun Jisheng: Professor Sun Jisheng is a Vice President of CFAU and has been teaching at the university since 1996. She has served as the Deputy Director and Director of the English Department, the Director of the Research Affairs Office, and Assistant to the CFAU President. She undertakes professorial and doctoral supervision duties Her main research fields include international relations theory, international political linguistics, and American politics. Her main works include: Language, Meaning and International Politics: an Analysis of the Iraq War; Linguistic Research and Systematic Analysis in International Relations; Linguistic Studies in International Relations Theory: Retrospect and Prospect.

Tang Xiao: Professor Tang Xiao is the Director of the Department of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Management at CFAU. His main research fields include contemporary Western political systems, Introduction to political science and political philosophy, comparative politics, parliamentary supervision, and Sino-African diplomacy. His major works include Parliamentary Supervision; Contemporary Political System of Western Countries; An Introduction to Political Science.

Lu Jing: Professor Lu Jing is the Director of the Institute of International Relations, professor, and doctoral supervisor at CFAU. Her main research fields include studies of developing countries, global governance, and international security. Her major works include: Opening up: International Experiences and China's Road; International Security Studies; The International Non-proliferation System: China and the US..

Activities and Achievements

1.    Academic Conferences

“‘The Belt and Road Initiative’ and Beijing City Diplomacy” Conference at CFAU

On December 11, 2015, the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration and the Research Affairs Office of CFAU jointly held a conference with the theme of “‘The Belt and Road Initiative’ and Beijing City Diplomacy” at CFAU’s International Exchange Center. Nearly 30 scholars from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China Institute of International Studies, the Chahar Institute, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, Shanghai Institute for International Studies, Jilin University, the Capital Normal University and China Foreign Affairs University attended the conference. Professor Sun Jisheng, a Vice President of CFAU and Director of the Research Affairs Office, delivered an opening address.

Scholars made keynote speeches and engaged in in-depth discussions on the following three topics: ‘The Belt and Road Initiative’ and Chinese Diplomacy, City Diplomacy and ‘The Belt and Road Initiative’, and Beijing’s international Exchanges and ‘The Belt and Road Initiative’.

Conference on “Host Diplomacy—the APEC Summit and the Urban Development of Beijing” at CFAU

On December 26, 2014, the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration and the Research Affairs Office of CFAU jointly held a conference on “Host Diplomacy—the APEC Summit and the Urban Development of Beijing” at CFAU. More than 20 scholars from the China Institute of International Studies, the China Chamber of International Commerce, and the Department of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Administration, School of International Economics and the Institute of International Relations at CFAU participated in the conference. Focusing on the theme of "the APEC Summit and Host Diplomacy", participants delivered speeches and put forward practical suggestions for the international development of Beijing.

Symposium on “China's Intellectual Property Diplomacy: Theories and Practices” at CFAU

On December 19, 2014, a symposium with the theme of “China's Intellectual Property Diplomacy: Theories and Practices” was held at the International Exchange Center of China Foreign Affairs University. More than 20 scholars from the State Intellectual Property Office, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, the China Institute of International Studies, the Institute for International Strategic Studies of the Central Party School of the CPC, the Central University of Finance and Economics, Nankai University and China Foreign Affairs University attended the meeting. In line with the theme of “intellectual property diplomacy and international cooperation”, participants engaged in profound discussions on how to promote the formulation and implementation of China’s intellectual property diplomacy and enhance its status as an intellectual property power.

2014 Work Planning Meeting of the Research Center at CFAU

On July 7, 2014, the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration held its 2014 work planning meeting at CFAU. Director of the Research Affairs Office Professor Sun Jisheng chaired the meeting attended by key members of the Center’s Research Committee. Members of the Research Committee voted for the key and general projects funded by the Research Center. Dr. Xu Xiaohong outlined the Center’s academic performances and accomplishments in the first half of 2014 and its work plan for the second half of the year.

2.    Academic lectures

The Fifth Session of the “Diplomatic Frontline” Forums and the Third Session of the “Voice of Alumni” Lectures at CFAU

On April 12, 2016, the Research Affairs Office of China Foreign Affairs University and the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration co-hosted the fifth session of the “Diplomatic Frontline” lectures and the third session of the “Voice of Alumni” lectures in the Library Auditorium at CFAU’s Shahe Campus. Mr. Peng Jun, the senior partner of JINCHENG TONGDA & NEAL, gave a lecture entitled “Settling Disputes in the WTO”. Mr. Peng is an English major and CFAU alumnus of the Class of 92. Deputy Director of the Research Affairs Office Dr. Xu Xiaohong hosted the event.

In his lecture, Mr. Peng introduced the operation of the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism. He also reviewed the Chinese government’s participation in the WTO’s settlement of trade disputes since 2002. Drawing upon his work experience, Mr. Peng explained the role of Chinese lawyers’ participation in the WTO dispute settlement mechanism. The comprehensive lecture deeply inspired the audience.

The Fourth Session of the “Diplomatic Frontline” Lectures and the Second Session of the “Voice of Alumni” Lectures at CFAU

On November 25, 2015, the Research Affairs Office of China Foreign Affairs University and the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration co-hosted the fourth session of the “Diplomatic Frontline” lectures and the second session of the “Voice of Alumni” lectures in the Moot Court at CFAU’s Shahe Campus. The speaker was Mr. Chen Hongbing, a CFAU alumnus and the Director of the China Office of the World Intellectual Property Organization. Deputy Director of the Research Affairs Office Dr. Xu Xiaohong hosted.this lecture.

Mr. Chen shared with the audience his 17 years of work experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the demarcation of borders and negotiations with China’s neighboring states. Based on his experiences, Mr. Chen also introduced China’s multilateral diplomatic maneuvers in Geneva, emphasizing that international organizations played a pivotal role in safeguarding China’s national interests.

Mr. Chen demonstrated a veteran diplomat’s dedication to work, acute judgment of the international situation, and outstanding abilities in learning and problem solving. The lecture was of great benefit to students attending.

The Third Session of the “Diplomatic Frontline” Lectures and the First Session of the “Voice of Alumni” Lectures at CFAU

The Research Affairs Office of the CFAU and the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration co-hosted the third session of the“Diplomatic Frontline”lectures and the first session of the“Voice of Alumni” on May 6, 2015, in the Library Auditorium at CFAU’s Shahe Campus. The speaker was Ms. Li Xiaomei, an English major and alumnus of the Class of 92 and the Deputy Director of the International Department of the China Disabled Persons' Federation. Ms. Li’s lecture was entitled “These Human Rights Are Not Those Human Rights: a Brief Introduction to the UN Human Rights Framework”. Assistant to the CFAU President and Director of the Research Affairs Office Professor Sun Jisheng hosted the lecture.

In covering human rights, security and development, Ms. Li drew on her 18 years of work experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN to explain in detail the structure of the UN’s human rights framework. She analyzed the problems regarding the reforms of the UN’s human rights treaty systems. She also explained the prospect of the UN’s human rights work as well as the history of China’s participation in the UN’s human rights activities.

English Department Alumnus Zhang Jing Came Back to Give The Second Session of the “Diplomatic Frontline” Lectures at CFAU

The second session of the“Diplomatic Frontline”lectures was held on December 17, 2014, in the Library Auditorium at CFAU’s Shahe Campus. The speaker was English Department alumnus Ms. Zhang Jing, an interpreter from the Department of Translation and Interpretation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her lecture was entitled “Face to Face with a Diplomatic Interpreter”. Assistant to the CFAU President and Director of the Research Affairs Office Professor Sun Jisheng, hosted the lecture.

Ms. Zhang shared her experiences of studying at CFAU, and participating in national English contests, as well as her work as an interpreter in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She offered precious insights into the work of an interpreter.. Taking interpreters Zhang Lu and Sun Ning as her examples, Ms. Zhang also elaborated on the necessary qualities to become an excellent diplomatic interpreter.

Ms. Zhang’s lecture offered meaningful advice to students majoring in translation and interpretation.

The First Session of the “Diplomatic Frontline” Lectures at CFAU

The first session of the Diplomatic Frontline” lectures was co-hosted by the Research Affairs Office of China Foreign Affairs University and the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration on November 20, 2014,  in the Library Auditorium at CFAU’s Shahe Campus. The speaker Mr. Sun Ang is a Counselor at the Department of Treaty and Law and the special coordinator of overseas pursuit-evasion and international cooperation in law enforcement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His lecture was entitled “Strengthening International Cooperation and Fighting against Terrorism—Practical and Legal Issues in International Anti-terrorist Cooperation”. Assistant to the CFAU President and Director of the Research Affairs Office Professor Sun Jisheng hosted the lecture.

Mr. Sun took a new perspective based on his work experiences and elaborated on issues relating to international anti-terrorist cooperation, including changes in terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda, information gathering as well as anti-terrorist activities. The audience was greatly enlightened by Mr. Sun’s detailed analysis.

3.    Research Projects

1. Four research projects chaired by CFAU professors were approved and funded by the Beijing Social Science Fund of Research Bases in 2015. These projects are:

2. In October, 2014, the research project titled “The City Diplomacy of Southeast Asian Cities along the 21st Century’s Maritime Silk Road”, chaired by Zha Wen from the CFAU Institute of International Relations, was approved by Beijing Social Science Fund of Research Bases. The 2014 Annual Report of the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration was also granted a publishing fund.

3. The Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration held its annual work planning meeting on July 7, 2014. Participants voted on the research projects funded by the Research Center. The results are as follows:

4. Publications

1. “Handbook of Foreign Affairs Know-how for Civil Servants”, funded by the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration, edited by Professor Tong Xin of CFAU, was published in October, 2012 by China Personnel Press. Covering basic theories and practices of foreign affairs administration, this book provides practical advice to diplomatic practitioners. It is a handy and practical handbook for civil servants engaging in international communications and foreign exchanges.

2. “The Practical Handbook of Foreign Affairs Administration”, a book funded by the Research Center was published by Peking University Press in December 2013. The book’s editor-in-chief is Professor Wang Chunying, a member of the Center’s Research Committee. The book describes the basic procedures of conducting foreign exchanges, such as official visits, foreign affairs reception, international meetings, etc. The book will be of great help for civil servants engaging in foreign exchanges.

3. “Beijing’s Contemporary International Exchanges”, one of the Research Center’s academic accomplishments, was published by the Economic Science Press in September, 2012. The author Zheng Jun is from the Institute of Contemporary China Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. This book reviews the history and features of Beijing’s international exchanges in different stages, filling in the gap in the study of Beijing’s foreign affairs.

4. The Annual Report of Chinese Economic Diplomacy (2014), one major research accomplishment of the Research Center was published by the Economic Science Press in August, 2014. The book’s editor-in-chief is Ambassador Zhao Jinjun, the former Director of the Research Center. The book elaborates on the policies and characteristics of Chinese economic diplomacy in fields such as international trade, international investment, foreign aid and so on. It also analyzes China’s economic diplomatic policies towards important regions and major powers. The book is representative of work accomplished in this field.

5. “The Knowledge of Foreign Affairs Management” funded by the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration, was published by Peking University Press in 2012. The book’s associate editor-in-chief is Professor Wang Chunying, a member of the Center’s Research Committee. Introducing such basics as the institutions, staff, rules of administration, etiquette, and correspondence of foreign affairs administration, this book offers valuable insights for readers willing to engage in foreign affairs.

6. “Foreign Exchanges and The Shaping of Personal Image”, a book funded by the Research Center for Beijing International Exchanges and Foreign Affairs Administration was published by the Current Affairs Press in October 2012. The author Zhou Jiali is an assistant professor in the Department of Diplomacy at CFAU. This book gives an in-depth analysis of the techniques and means of shaping a leader’s image.