Chinese New Year Greetings and Global China Academy Annual Report for 2023
Dear colleagues and friends,
As the Year of the Dragon 2024 ‘prowls’ forward, it is our pleasure to take this opportunity to update you on our situation and activities.
First, we would like to inform you that, at the end of 2023, we submitted our first annual return for the Global China Academy (GCA; CIO registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 17th May 2022 with the number 1198983). In order to maintain a complete record for the previously registered charity (registered on 19th November 2013 with the number 1154640), covering the period from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023, we submitted the last annual return to the Charity Commission. This account is expected to be closed by the end of 2024.
This report highlights our achievements in three main sections: ‘GCA and GCP new websites’, ‘GCA activities fulfilling its academic and social missions’ and ‘The 8th GCD plus 10th GCA anniversary’.
Part I: Global China Academy’s virtual sties and GCA Centre / Fellows’ home
Part II: Global China Academy Activities on Academic and Social Missions
Part III: The 8th Global China Dialogue and the 10th Anniversary of GCA
- The 8th Global China Dialogue
- The Global China Academy’s 10th Anniversary
Click here to download 2023 report (Special Edition for the 10th GCA Anniversary: 2013–2023) .
- Click here to visit the Chinese New Year Greetings and the GCA Annual Report for the year 2021–2022. Download report.
- Click here to visit the Chinese New Year Greetings for 2022.
- Click here to visit Chinese New Year Greetings and the GCA Annual Report for the year 2020–2021. Download report.
- Click here to visit Chinese New Year Greetings and the GCI Annual Report for the year 2019–2020. Download report.
- Click here to visit Chinese New Year Greetings and the GCI Annual Report for 2018–2019. Download report.
- Click here to visit Chinese New Year Greetings and the GCI Annual Report for 2017–2018. Download report.
- Click here to visit Chinese New Year Greetings and the GCI Annual Report 2016–2017. Download report.
- Click here to visit Chinese New Year Greetings and the CCPN Global Annual Report for 2015–2016. Download report.
- Click here to visit Chinese New Year Greetings and the CCPN Global Annual Report for 2014–2015. Download report.
- Click here to visit Chinese New Year Greetings and the CCPN Global Annual Report for 2013–2014. Download report.
Note: The early greeting newsletters and annual reports contain a large number of web links to the old website. These will be available after being updated.
GCA’s Two-Day Team Building: Blending Academic Insight with Cultural, Historic and Nature Discovery
After the intensive preparations and the successful hosting of the 8th Global China Dialogue and the 10th anniversary celebration of the Global China Academy, we decided to schedule the team-building activities for early February 2024. Our team consists of the following members: Xiangqun Chang (GCA President), Alan Fang (Legal Adviser), Katie Zheng (Administrative Manager), David Liu (Domestic Manager), LI Li, and Xi Shen (GCA8 Volunteers).
The first day of GCA’s two-day team-building event was scheduled for February 3rd, a time when people usually look forward to Chinese New Year celebrations. However, our team of six broke with convention and chose The Real Greek in Covent Garden for a culinary exploration. The restaurant was adorned with delicate flowers, adding a touch of Greek aesthetic that is quite different from the bold reds and golds of Chinese celebrations. The Mediterranean ambiance provided a fresh contrast to the red lanterns and decorations typical of Chinese New Year. The food was presented on tiered trays, a vibrant arrangement that stood in contrast to the communal style of Chinese dining where dishes are usually placed in the center of the table for everyone to share.
We ordered Greek Flatbread and Crudités, as well as a variety of dishes including Yellow Fava, Hummus, Tzatziki, Spicy Feta Dip (Htipiti), Melitzanosalata, Chicken Skewer, Loukaniko Beef & Pork Sausage Skewer, Pork Skewer, Halloumi & Vegetable Skewer, Lamb Meatballs, Gigandes with Spinach, Falafel, Grilled Aubergine, Vegan Meatballs, along with shared sides such as Mediterranean Rice, Aegean Slaw, Chips, Pourgouri – Bulgur Wheat, New Potatoes, and Greek Salad. For dessert, we shared Baklava, Orange Cake, and Greek Yogurt with walnuts in syrup.
The flavours of these dishes were diverse and rich, ranging from the refreshing tzatziki to the mildly spicy feta cheese dip, each bite filled with surprise. The smoky taste of the grilled aubergine offered a contrast to the commonly sweet and spicy flavours found in Chinese cuisine, while the falafel, with its crunchy exterior and soft interior coupled with a deep spice flavour, presented a completely different taste from traditional Chinese spring rolls. The various skewers we provided, including chicken, mixed meat sausage, pork, and halloumi cheese with vegetable skewers, were similar to Chinese lamb, grilled fish, and beef skewers, all involving grilling meat or other ingredients on bamboo or metal sticks. However, Greek skewers emphasized the use of herbs and olive oil in their flavours, while Chinese barbecue tends to favour seasonings like cumin and chili to enhance the flavour. The Mediterranean rice and Greek salad brought a refreshing taste that was a sharp contrast to the familiar Chinese rice and mixed vegetable dishes. The sweetness of the baklava and the soft, fluffy texture of the orange cake were delightful complements to Chinese festive sweets.
Through these various flavours and styles, our team not only enjoyed the unique charm of Greek cuisine but also deepened our understanding and appreciation of the differences between Western and Chinese culinary cultures. This visual and culinary journey not only provided a necessary break from our hard work in preparing for both the 8th GCD and 10th anniversary of GCA but also acted as a cultural bridge, connecting our team with the diverse traditions of the world. The shared Greek Flatbread and Crudités, the variety of dips and skewers, and the assortment of sides and desserts provided a communal experience that, although different in presentation, reflected the collective joy found in Chinese dining traditions. This experience was both a cultural immersion and a testament to the universal language of food in bringing people together.
After enjoying a Greek dinner, our team went to the Royal Opera House to watch the ballet Manon. The Royal Opera House, located in London’s Covent Garden, is one of the world’s leading opera houses, renowned for its outstanding opera and ballet performances. It serves as the home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. The building itself is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture, featuring a magnificent auditorium, luxurious public spaces, and state-of-the-art stage facilities. Its history dates back to the 18th century, making it a historic landmark and cultural icon in the UK. Manon is a three-act ballet created by Kenneth MacMillan, with music by Jules Massenet. It premiered by The Royal Ballet in London in 1974. The ballet is based on the 1731 novel The Story of the Chevalier des Grieux and Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost. It tells the story of the young and naive Manon who falls in love with the Chevalier des Grieux but is persuaded by her brother to leave him for the wealthier Monsieur GM. The ballet is known for its expressive choreography, emotional depth, and beautiful music, showcasing the talent and technical skills of its dancers. Manon and the Royal Opera House represent the pinnacle of Western classical performing arts, focusing on storytelling through dance, music, and set design.
In contrast, the Chinese equivalent in the realm of traditional performing arts can be considered Peking Opera or Kunqu Opera. Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera embody the essence of Eastern performing arts traditions, emphasizing vocal performance, poetic dialogue, and symbolic gestures. The main difference lies in the cultural expressions and artistic mediums used to convey stories and emotions. Western ballets like Manon typically use the universal language of dance to narrate stories, while Chinese operas incorporate a more integrated approach, combining singing, acting, and martial arts to express complex narratives and characters. However, both offer deep insights into their respective cultures and traditions, showcasing the universal appeal of storytelling through performing arts. Peking Opera is one of the most famous traditional Chinese theater arts, characterized by its unique combination of song, spoken dialogue, and codified action sequences, including gestures, movement, fighting, and acrobatics. It is known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and the distinctive vocal style of its performers. Kunqu Opera is considered one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, celebrated for its elegant movements, refined music, and literary excellence. Both forms of Chinese opera have deep historical roots and play a significant role in China’s cultural heritage, similar to the role of ballet and opera in Western cultures.
After watching Manon at the Royal Opera House, we were deeply moved and filled with a sense of appreciation and emotion. The performance in one of the most prestigious classical art venues was an unforgettable experience that resonated with us deeply. The dancers’ exquisite skills, coupled with the thrilling music and the poignant narrative of love and tragedy, transported us into the world of Manon and Des Grieux, allowing us to experience their joy, love, and despair firsthand. The choreography’s blend of classical ballet with richly expressive dramatic movements captured the complex emotions of the characters and the dramatic turns of the story. The grandeur of the Royal Opera House and the production’s lavish costumes and sets added an extra layer of enchantment to the evening, making us feel as though we were part of the opulent world depicted on stage.
This experience was not only an artistic delight but also a cultural enrichment, reminding us of the power of performing arts to evoke deep feelings and connect with audiences profoundly. As we left the opera house, we were in awe of the talent and hard work of the performers and creative team, yet also left with a lingering melancholy from the ballet’s tragic ending. Most importantly, we were grateful for the opportunity to witness such a masterful ballet display, which entertained and emotionally moved us, leaving a lasting impression on our hearts and minds.
Day two, February 4th, our team visited Brocket Hall. We had the privilege of being accompanied by Dr Frances Wood, a historian and sinologist who previously served as the curator of the Chinese Collection at the British Library and is a trustee of the Global China Academy, as well as Dr James Lin, the curator of the Asian art collection at the Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge. Guided by their knowledge and insights, we toured almost every room in the estate, closely examining the furniture, paintings, and various collections. Afterwards, we walked through the lush fields, beside the lake and trees along the bridge.
Brocket Hall, located in Hertfordshire, England, is a classic English country house with centuries of history. The architecture of Brocket Hall is an excellent example of the Palladian style, characterized by symmetry, classical forms, and grand scale. The interior of the estate is equally impressive, with elegantly decorated rooms reflecting the era’s grace and luxury. This magnificent estate was once the residence of two British Prime Ministers, Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston, marking it as a site of significant historical and political importance. We explored almost every room, such as the bedroom of Queen Victoria, Lord Melbourne, Lady Melbourne, Lord Palmerston, Lady Palmerston, with each room narrating the stories of its past occupants and their times. Brocket Hall is renowned for its stunning architecture, extensive grounds, and its role in British social and political history.
Lord Palmerston served as the British Prime Minister during the First Opium War and was the Foreign Secretary at that time, playing a significant role in initiating and managing the conflict. He supported the use of force to protect Britain’s opium trade interests and advocated for a tough stance against China, leading to the outbreak of the conflict. The war ended with China’s defeat and the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing, which forced China to cede Hong Kong to Britain and open several trading ports, having a long-term negative impact on China. Palmerston’s policies expanded Britain’s global influence but also marked the beginning of a humiliating period in modern Chinese history, having profound effects on both China and world history.
The gardens of the estate are a testament to the British tradition of landscape gardening, featuring expansive fields, neatly trimmed lawns, and mature trees, all set against the backdrop of picturesque lakes and bridges. This landscape provides a tranquil and pastoral setting where one can enjoy leisurely strolls and the natural beauty of the English countryside. This land and lake later became home to two golf courses, named after Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston, the two British Prime Ministers.
The horticulture and history of Brocket Hall can be compared to those of classical Chinese estates, which are typically designed according to Feng Shui principles to harmoniously integrate architecture, gardens, and water elements. Similar to Brocket Hall, these estates were once residences of high-ranking officials and centers of cultural and political activity. Classical Chinese gardens, such as those in Suzhou, are famous for their intricate designs that include pavilions, ponds, rockeries, and meticulously arranged plants, creating serene landscapes that reflect the philosophical and aesthetic ideals of traditional Chinese culture.
Brocket Hall embodies the heritage of English country estates, symbolizing political history and architectural beauty, while China’s classical estates represent the Eastern philosophy of harmony between man and nature, showcasing the art of garden design and the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Both traditions provide us with a window into their respective cultures, emphasizing the importance of history, nature, and architecture in shaping the identity and legacy of these remarkable estates.
During our visit to Brocket Hall, we deeply felt the profoundness of British history and the significant role these historical figures and locations played in world history. The explanations provided by Dr Frances Wood and Dr James Lin not only gave us a deeper understanding of the Hall’s history and architectural style but also offered a comprehensive view of Lord Palmerston’s role in the First Opium War and its impact on Sino-British relations. This journey was not only a visual and intellectual pleasure but also an opportunity for deep reflection and understanding of past events.
The natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the estate momentarily took us away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, as if we were transported back to an era filled with historical stories. Walking through the expansive fields and beside the lake, we couldn’t help but ponder the course of history and how it has shaped today’s world.
This visit not only broadened our horizons but also deepened our understanding of the complexities of historical exchanges between China and Britain. Such cross-cultural learning and exchange are invaluable, encouraging us to cherish our own cultural heritage while remaining open and respectful towards other cultures. The trip to Brocket Hall was an unforgettable experience, offering new insights and appreciation for the power of history and the beauty of natural landscapes.
Finally, after enjoying a buffet meal at the nearby Chinese restaurant, ‘The Real China,’ we noticed an interesting phenomenon: although the restaurant’s name sounds very Chinese and mainly serves Chinese cuisine, we couldn’t find its Chinese name. Additionally, we noticed that all the staff were Indian, and it’s said that the restaurant’s owner is Chinese. This unexpected discovery added a layer of multicultural richness to our experience. It reminded us of the global nature of cuisine and culture, how food can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries to bring diverse people together.
Our team-building activity began at a restaurant named ‘The Real Greek’ and concluded at one named ‘The Real China,’ a coincidence that carries several interesting meanings or symbolic significances, adding intriguing implications to the event, such as:
- Cultural Diversity and Inclusion: The journey from a Greek to a Chinese restaurant showcases respect and appreciation for different cultures (Měirén zhīměi 美人之美 in Fei Xiaotong’s words). This may indicate that our team or organization values diversity and inclusion, willing to explore and celebrate various cultural traditions.
- A Journey from West to East: From a cultural and geographical perspective, Greece is often seen as the cradle of Western civilization, while China represents Eastern culture. The arrangement from ‘Real Greek’ to ‘Real China’ might symbolize a cultural journey from the West to the East (The mini ‘Journey to the East’ in the opposite direction of Journey to the West 与《西游记》反向的迷你“东游记”), reflecting a broad exploration of global cultural heritage.
- Exploration and Connection: Starting and ending our activity in two different but equally ‘real’ cultural venues might mean that our team values deep exploration and establishing cross-cultural connections. This experience could encourage team members to be open-minded, learning to appreciate different lifestyles and traditions (again, Měirén zhīměi 美人之美, in Fei Xiaotong’s words).
- A Culinary Journey: From a culinary standpoint, this arrangement offers a taste journey from Greek to Chinese cuisine. This not only allows team members to enjoy a diverse food experience but may also symbolize the team’s willingness to try new things and explore the unknown (Further Měirén zhīměi 美人之美, in Fei Xiaotong’s words).
- Symbolic Beginning and Ending: starting with ‘Real Greek’ and end with ‘Real China’ might have its symbolic meaning, such as beginning with the enlightenment of one culture and concluding with the wisdom of another, representing a complete cycle of growth or learning (To achieve understanding of ‘shared beauty’ Měiměi yugòng 美美与共, in Fei Xiaotong’s words).
Over two days of enriching team-building activities, our team grew not only closer to each other but also became more connected to the broad spectrum of global culture. The delicious dishes from our visits to ‘The Real Greek’ and ‘The Real China’ provided a perfect culmination to our journey, deepening our understanding of history and culture while bolstering camaraderie and satisfaction within the team. These shared experiences undoubtedly brought us closer, enriching our collective memory and fostering a greater appreciation for the diverse cultural heritage we were privileged to explore. Visiting ‘The Real China’ highlighted the beauty of transcultural encounters and opened up possibilities for appreciating the world’s diversity in unexpected ways.
2023年:全球中国学术院中心实施“改革开放政策”的第一年
The year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Global China Academy (GCA), which was founded in 2013 as CCPN Global. GCA’s operations are supported through outsourcing to experts in various fields, such as website design and maintenance, graphic design, translation, copy editing, and more. Additionally, individuals who align with our academic and social missions significantly contribute on a voluntary basis. As an independent non-profit academic institution, our independence is evident in the transparency of our funding sources, which are open for examination at any time, and our commitment through Global Century Press to publishing uncensored work on China.
2023年标志着全球中国学院(GCA)成立10周年,该学院于2013年作为全球中国比较研究会(CCPN Global)成立。GCA的运营通过外包给各个领域的专家支持,如网站设计与维护、平面设计、翻译、文案编辑等。此外,与我们的学术和社会使命一致的个人也通过自愿贡献显著地参与其中。作为一个独立的非营利学术机构,我们的独立性在于我们资金来源的透明度,这些资金来源随时开放供审查,以及我们通过全球世纪出版社对中国的未经审查的作品的出版承诺。
One of panels of the 7th Global China Dialogue: reforming global governance is ‘Reforming the Institutions’. Professor Martin Albrow, Founding and Past Honorary President of GCA, encouraged the GCA to reform itself into a sustainable institution. In addition to leveraging existing publication revenues, dialogue-based income, and small fellowship subscriptions, in 2023, after seeking advice and approval from the GCA Board of Trustees, we have implemented an innovative policy. This policy involves utilizing the property occupied by the GCA Centre to create funding opportunities through extensive networking. This page showcases some reform-related activities, outcomes, or potential long-term benefits.
第七届全球中国对话的其中一个小组讨论是“改革全球治理:改革机构”。GCA的创始人及前荣誉会长马丁·阿尔布罗教授鼓励GCA将自身改革成为一个可持续的机构。除了利用现有的出版收入、基于对话的收入和小额研究员订阅外,2023年,在征求GCA董事会的建议和批准后,我们实施了一项创新政策。该政策涉及利用GCA中心占用的房产通过广泛的网络创建资金机会。本页展示了一些与改革相关的活动、成果或潜在的长期利益。
从7月4日至10日,GCA研究员之家欢迎了来自香港和澳门的客人。尽管GCA中心此前已经为GCA活动的演讲者和参与者提供了免费住宿以换取志愿服务,但这次是首次将其开放给GCA的朋友们进行网络交流,旨在实现学术和社会使命。由向群昌教授的高尔夫朋友,凯亮(汉普顿宫高尔夫俱乐部大使兼MEL科学的业务发展总监,左边照片中从左数第二位),介绍,蔡朴博士(升华资本合伙人(亚洲)有限公司,香港,总裁,左边照片中最右边)及其女儿们被安排在研究员之家住宿。蔡博士向向教授介绍了一些他的朋友,包括来自澳门的客人(左边照片中从右数第三位),新加坡的客人(第二张照片中从左数第一位和第二位),伦敦的客人,包括陈博士及其丈夫(右边照片中从左数第一位和第二位),以及郭峰博士(新辉集团董事长,左二照片中间)。
7月26日,郭博士(右边照片中间)参加了与杜一超的会面,杜一超为了准备8月份的无锡市代表团访问英国而来。他是无锡新文化研究所所长,UCL的博士生以及GCA的合作伙伴。
From July 4-10, the GCA Fellows’ Home welcomed guests from Hong Kong and Macau. While the GCA Centre has previously hosted speakers and participants for GCA events, offering free accommodation in exchange for volunteer work, this occasion marked the first time it was opened to GCA friends for networking purposes, aiming to fulfil both academic and social missions. Introduced by Professor Xiangqun Chang’s golf friend, Kai Liang (an Ambassador of the Hampton Court Golf Club and Director of Business Development of MEL Science, second from the left in the left photo), Dr Pu Zhai (President for Ascendent Capital Partners (Asia) Limited, Hong Kong, first on the right in the left photo) and his daughters were accommodated at the Fellows’ Home. Dr Zhai introduced some of his friends to Professor Chang, including guests from Macau (third from the right in the left photo), Singapore (first and second from the left in the second photo), and London, including Dr Chen and her husband (first and second from the left in the right photo), and Dr Frank Guo (Chairman of New Beacon Group, in the middle of the second photo from the left).
On July 26, Dr Guo (middle in the right photo) attended a meeting with DU Yichao, who visited the UK in preparation for the Wuxi City delegation in August. He is Director of Wuxi Institute of New Culture, PhD student of UCL and GCA Associate.
7月22日,那两位5月份在伦敦大学亚非学院(SOAS)与向群昌教授会面的中国社会学家访问了GCA中心。他们是河海大学的副教授秦晨博士(站在左边照片中的画下面),以及江苏省社会科学院的副研究员岳少华博士(在左边照片中与一家四口一起的人)。岳博士的妻子,张海华博士,来自南京农业大学,是伦敦经济学院的访问学者。他们都是在宋林飞教授或周晓虹教授的指导下于南京大学毕业的,宋林飞教授是江苏省社会科学院以及中国社会学会的前任院长,周晓虹教授是南京大学社会与行为科学学院的创始院长。他们享受了GCA中心的“边走边谈”第二路线,其中包括午餐和茶点,提供了休闲、学习和体育活动的完美结合,以增强访客的体验。
On July 22, the two Chinese sociologists whom Professor Chang met at SOAS in May visited the GCA Centre. They are Dr QIN Chen (who stands under the picture in the left photo), Associate Professor at Hohai University, and Dr YUE Shaohua (who is pictured with a family of four in the left photo), Associate Research Fellow at the Jiangsu Academy of Social Sciences. Dr Yue’s wife, Dr ZHANG Haihua, is a Visiting Fellow at LSE from Nanjing Agricultural University. All of them graduated from Nanjing University under the supervision of either Professor SONG Linfei, former President of the Jiangsu Academy of Social Sciences and the Chinese Sociological Association, or Professor ZHOU Xiaohong, the founding Dean of the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Nanjing University. They enjoyed the GCA Centre’s ‘walk and talk’ route 2, which includes lunch and tea, offering a blend of leisure, learning, and physical activity to enhance the experience for visitors.
从8月6日至7日,凯亮先生参加了在GCA中心与杜一超的会议,为8月9日计划的无锡(伦敦)推广会做准备。次日,向群昌教授与布罗克特霍尔高尔夫俱乐部的经理刘大卫先生会面,并与凯亮先生及其儿子一同在冬山高尔夫俱乐部打高尔夫。他们讨论了第七届全球中国对话:全球健康治理(GCD II)的准备工作。几天后,大卫的家人和亲戚访问了GCA中心。他们都分享了GCA的社会使命,并表达了对GCD II的支持。
From August 6-7, Mr Kai Liang attended a meeting with DU Yichao at the GCA Centre in preparation for the Wuxi (London) Promotion Conference scheduled for August 9. The following day, Professor Chang met with Mr David Liu, Manager of the Brocket Hall Golf Club, and played golf with Mr Kai Liang and his son at the Winter Hill Golf Club. The preparations for the 7th Global China Dialogue: Governance for Global Health (GCD II) were discussed. A few days later, David’s family and relatives visited the GCA Centre. They all shared GCA’s social mission and expressed their support for GCD II.
从9月10日至11日,广州十三行博物馆的创始人兼名誉馆长李丽在GCA研究员之家度过了两天。她是剑桥大学菲茨威廉博物馆的访问学者和露西·卡文迪许学院的研究员。该博物馆位于广州清代贸易哨所的历史遗址上。它收藏了超过6600件文物,凸显了广州在古代海上丝绸之路中的重要角色及其与欧洲和美洲的独家海上贸易。大量融入中国元素的西式产品展示了18和19世纪中西之间的共享美,代表了跨文化交流的成果。它们今天的重要性突出了全球化的早期阶段,强调了在塑造全球社会、国际关系和贸易中,相互理解与合作的关键重要性。在李丽的访问期间,她和向教授参观了大英图书馆,参加了大英博物馆的“中国的隐藏世纪”展览,并在布罗克特霍尔打高尔夫。
From September 10-11, LI Li, the Founder and Honorary Curator of the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum, spent two days at the GCA Fellows’ Home. She is a Visiting Fellow at the Fitzwilliam Museum and a Fellow of Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge. The museum is located on the historical site of the Qing Dynasty trading posts in Guangzhou. It houses more than 6,600 artifacts, highlighting Guangzhou’s significant role in the ancient Maritime Silk Road and its exclusive maritime trade with Europe and America. A large number of Western-style products that incorporate Chinese elements showcase the shared beauty between China and the West during the 18th and 19th centuries, representing the outcomes of transcultural exchange. Their importance today highlights the early stages of globalization, emphasizing the critical importance of mutual understanding and cooperation in shaping a global society, international relations, and trade. During LI Li’s stay, she and Professor Chang visited the British Library, attended the ‘China’s Hidden Century’ exhibition at the British Museum, and played golf at Brocket Hall.
9月13日,一些GCA同事在GCA中心和米尔希尔高尔夫俱乐部进行了社交聚会。马丁·阿尔布罗教授(右图左侧)讨论了他一个月后即将前往中国的行程。向群昌教授分享了她的经历,讲述了在她的丈夫托马斯·克拉克博士(GCA信托人,左图右侧)因新冠疫情搬到他父亲家后决定留在那里,即使在他父亲去世后,她也开始采纳一种新的生活方式,独自生活在“空巢”中,并“与分离共处”(查尔斯·斯塔福德,2003)。弗兰西斯·伍德博士(两张照片中均为从左数第二位)分享了她对广州十三行历史的了解,并表示赞赏GCP考虑出版伊莎贝尔·克鲁克(1915-2023)的口述历史,她对此人非常了解。
On September 13, some GCA colleagues gathered socially at the GCA Centre and Mill Hill Golf Club. Professor Martin Albrow (left in the right photo) discussed his upcoming trip to China in one month. Professor Xiangqun Chang shared her experiences of adopting a new lifestyle of living alone in an ’empty nest’ and ‘living with separation’ (Charles Stafford, 2003), after her husband, Dr Thomas Clarke (GCA Trustee, right in the left photo), moved to his father’s house after the COVID-19 and decided to stay there even after his father’s passing. Dr Frances Wood (2nd from the left in both photos) shared her knowledge about the history of the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs and expressed appreciation that GCP was considering publishing an oral history of Isabel Crook (1915-2023), whom she knew very well.
10月13日,向群昌教授和刘大卫被李丽邀请参加露西的布施节,在那里他们遇到了范欣博士(左图中从右数第二位),一位“全球公民”,他在中国、德国、美国和英国的大学中学习和教学。他担任亚洲和中东研究的研究主任以及现代中国历史的教学副手,属于亚洲和中东研究系。向教授和简·格雷托里克斯博士在高桌上交换了他们的联系方式。她是一位高级导师、研究生和本科生导师、临床前第二部分兽医学研究的研究主任以及英国公共卫生署的荣誉科学家。这个活动为来自不同学术和文化背景的专业人士提供了一个宝贵的交流和分享见解的机会,丰富了关于全球公民身份和跨学科合作的对话。
On October 13, Professor Xiangqun Chang and David Liu were invited by LI Li to attend Lucy’s Festival of Giving, where they met Dr Xin Fan (second from the right in the left photo), ‘a global citizen’ who has studied and taught at universities in China, Germany, the USA, and the UK. He serves as Director of Studies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and as a Teaching Associate in Modern Chinese History at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Professor Chang and Dr Jane Greatorex exchanged their details at the high table. She is a Senior Tutor, Graduate and Undergraduate Tutor, Director of Studies in Pre-Clinical Part II Veterinary Medicine, and Honorary Scientist at Public Health England. The event provided a valuable opportunity for networking and sharing insights among professionals from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, enriching the dialogue on global citizenship and interdisciplinary collaboration.
从10月27日至29日,在伦敦亚洲艺术活动期间,GCA中心欢迎了来自剑桥的研究员和客人。杰出的访客包括露西·卡文迪许学院(LCC)的研究员李丽;Alison Vinnicombe,LCC的讲师、注册官、档案管理员和纪律院长;剑桥菲茨威廉博物馆亚洲部门的馆长林詹姆斯博士;孔令娟,孔子第七十八代后裔的儿媳妇,也是孔子家族唯一的非华裔人士,同时也是孔子更美好世界基金会的信托人;设计师Rory Hutton,Rory Hutton有限公司的创始人;以及WaveBreak的首席科学家金雅博士。刘大卫在主持这次活动中发挥了关键作用。这是GCA中心首次接待非GCA活动的客人。共有来自八个不同学科和五个种族背景的八位个体聚在一起,他们因共同的兴趣而团结。讨论充满了热情和活力。每个人都感觉GCA中心真正配得上“研究员之家”的称号,并享受如此的待遇。
From October 27-29, during the Asian Art in London event, the GCA Centre welcomed Fellows and guests from Cambridge. The distinguished visitors included LI Li, Fellow of Lucy Cavendish College (LCC); Alison Vinnicombe, Praelector, Registrar, Archivist, and Dean of Discipline LCC; Dr James Lin, Curator of the Asia Department at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge; Jeni Kong, Trustee of the Confucius Better World Foundation and daughter-in-law to the 78th generation descendant of Confucius, notably the only person of non-Chinese ethnic; Rory Hutton, Designer at Rory Hutton Ltd; and Dr Kim Yahya, Principal Scientist at WaveBreak. David Liu played a key role in hosting the event. It is the first time the GCA Centre has received guests for non-GCA events. A total of eight individuals from eight different disciplines and five ethnic backgrounds came together, united by their shared interests. The discussions were engaging and filled with enthusiasm. Everyone felt that the GCA Centre truly deserved to be called a ‘Fellows’ Home’ and enjoyed being treated as such.
从11月7日至10日,GCA信托人成远博士(左边照片中从右数第二位)访问了英国。巧合的是,她与来自牛津剑桥校友网络的蔡朴博士是朋友。继蔡博士在7月初他在GCA中心的停留期间的推荐之后,成博士和向教授会见了蔡博士建议的一些专业人士。这些人包括方律师(左边照片中从左数第二位)、他的妻子郑律师(左边照片中最左边)、朱博士(会计师,从左第二张照片中最右边)、和何先生(会计师,从右第二张照片中从左数第二位)。他们中的许多人参加了Rory Hutton的“亚麻刻印中的园艺”展览,在那里他们遇到了李丽、Rory和Joni。他们享受展出的独特艺术风格,并在其中发现了中国文化的元素。
From November 7-10, Dr Yuan Cheng (second from the right in the left photo), a GCA Trustee, visited the UK. Coincidentally, she is a friend with Dr Pu Zhai from the Oxbridge Alumni Network. Following Dr Zhai’s recommendation in early July during his stay at the GCA Centre, Dr Cheng and Professor Chang met with some professionals suggested by Dr Zhai. These included Alan Fang (a lawyer, second from the left in the left photo), his wife Katie Zheng (a solicitor, first on the left in the left photo), Dr Ian Zhu (an accountant, first on the right in the second photo from the left), and Terry Ho (an accountant, second from the left in the second photo from the right). Many of them attended Rory Hutton’s ‘Gardening in Linocut’ exhibition, where they met LI Li, Rory, and Joni. They enjoyed the distinct styles of art on display and discovered elements of Chinese culture within them.
12月7日,GCD VIII的参与者和志愿者们乐在其中,为在露西·卡文迪许学院的“研究员之家”——马歇尔屋举办的茶会准备了小吃和蛋糕。浙江工商大学的博士候选人王聪汉(左边照片中从左数第二位)和兰卡斯特大学的博士候选人沙玉泽(从左第二张照片中出现),共同制作了圣诞树奶酪球开胃菜。口译员孟佳琳(在右边两张照片中出现)准备了意大利潘多罗圣诞树蛋糕。他们的贡献受到了聚会参与者的高度赞赏。LCC的简·格雷托里克斯博士在她的电子邮件中特别提到了他们的努力。
12月11日,钱振华博士在GCA中心与GCA财务主管托马斯·克拉克博士会面,讨论了中国复杂的全球关系,包括台湾问题、南中国海争议以及其对东盟国家的影响。他们探讨了民主面临的挑战,如民族主义和错误信息。克拉克博士询问了中国在全球进步中的角色。钱博士赞赏克拉克的愿景,但指出由于内部和外部因素,中国影响力面临的挑战。
On December 11th, Dr QIAN Zhenhua met with GCA Treasurer Dr Thomas Clarke at the GCA Centre to discuss China’s complex global relationships, including Taiwan, South China Sea disputes, and its influence on ASEAN countries. They explored the challenges facing democracy, such as nationalism and misinformation. Dr Clarke inquired about China’s role in global progress. Dr Qian admired Clarke’s vision but cited challenges for Chinese influence due to internal and external factors.
12月21日,在她返回中国之前,与李丽一起,为广州医科大学第三附属医院整形外科主任医师廖浓(左边照片中左侧的人)在GCA研究员之家举行了一次欢送会。她在2023年12月8日的第八届全球中国对话会议上提交了一篇关于“医疗美容行业面临的挑战”的论文。在聚会期间,李丽强烈希望能够见到弗兰西斯·伍德博士,以寻求关于广州十三行博物馆数字化的建议和资源。会议安排在2024年2月4日进行户外活动。
右边的照片拍摄于2月10日,当时弗兰西斯·伍德博士为向群昌教授签署了她的书《背叛的盟友:大战中的中国》的副本。之后,他们享受了GCA中心“边走边谈”第4路线,在中国新年当天(注:后来进行了更新)。
On December 21st, before her departure back to China, together with LI Li, a farewell gathering was held at the GCA Fellows’ Home for LIAO Nong (left in the left photo), Chief Physician of the Plastic Surgery Department at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. She presented a paper on ‘Challenges faced by the medical beauty industry’ at the 8th Global China Dialogue on December 8th, 2023. During the gathering, LI Li expressed a strong desire to meet Dr Frances Wood to seek advice and resources for digitalizing the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum. The meeting was arranged with outdoor activities on February 4th, 2024.
巧合的是,伍德博士带来了百合花和一只精美的中国马克杯,上面有威廉·莫里斯的设计。他是一位与19世纪英国艺术与工艺运动相关联的英国纺织设计师、诗人、艺术家、作家和社会主义活动家。李丽从剑桥带来的花被放置在靠近窗户的桌子一端,那里的花卉种类更多,而广彩盘看起来也更加色彩丰富。
The right photo was taken on February 10th when Dr. Frances Wood signed a copy of her book Betrayed Ally: China in the Great War for Professor Xiangqun Chang. Afterwards, they enjoyed the GCA Centre’s ‘Walk and Talk’ Route 4 on Chinese New Year Day (Note: This photo and caption were updated afterwards).
中间的照片拍摄于2月10日,当时弗兰西斯·伍德博士为向群昌教授签署了她的书《背叛的盟友:大战中的中国》。之后,他们在中国新年当天享受了GCA中心的“边走边谈”第4路线。巧合的是,伍德博士带来了百合花和一只精美的中国马克杯,上面有威廉·莫里斯的设计。他是一位19世纪英国的纺织设计师、诗人、艺术家、作家和社会主义活动家,与英国艺术与工艺运动有关。李丽从剑桥带来的花被放在靠窗户的桌子一端,那里的花种类更多。马克杯的颜色相对柔和,以绿色和黄色为主,补充以精致的花卉图案。相比之下,广彩盘色彩更加鲜艳,使用了包括粉红色、绿色、黄色和蓝色在内的多种颜色。
右边的照片展示了在GCA中心展出的马克杯和盘子。两者都是装饰艺术的杰作,各自承载着其文化和历史的独特性。马克杯的颜色相对柔和,以绿色和黄色为主,辅以精致的花卉图案。相比之下,广彩盘色彩更加鲜艳,使用了多种颜色,包括粉红色、绿色、黄色和蓝色。威廉·莫里斯的设计通常代表了19世纪末英国艺术与工艺运动的特点,其特点是复杂的自然图案、对称性和重复的植物图案。广彩盘反映了中国广东省十三行时期的艺术风格,以其丰富的颜色、复杂的风景和对称的装饰而著名。马克杯可能是工业印刷图案的产品,而广彩盘的制作可能更为复杂,涉及多次烧制和手工绘画。马克杯是日常使用的饮用器皿;而广彩盘更可能是装饰品或用于特殊场合的器皿。威廉·莫里斯的设计反映了19世纪末英国的社会文化背景,强调手工艺和反工业化。广彩盘反映了十三行时期广东省的贸易繁荣和文化交流。
注:此照片及其说明文字后来已更新。
总之,2023年对于全球中国学院(GCA)来说是一个具有里程碑意义的时期,标志着自成立以来十年来显著的增长、扩展和创新。庆祝其成立十周年,GCA不仅坚持了促进学术交流、研究传播和文化交流的承诺,而且还通过实施“改革开放政策”进入了新的领域。在GCA董事会的支持下,这一政策代表了一个战略转向,旨在更有效地利用GCA的资产,从而确保机构的可持续性并扩大其影响力。
全年的多样化活动和参与凸显了GCA作为促进中国与全球社区之间理解和合作的动态平台的角色。GCA中心的引入和研究员之家作为学术款待空间的建立,进一步巩固了GCA作为一个前瞻性和包容性机构的声誉。
通过战略合作、广泛的网络和对其使命的坚定奉献,GCA继续塑造全球治理、文化交流和学术合作的对话。当我们回顾过去一年的成就并展望未来时,很明显,GCA正准备为全球学术和社会使命做出更大的贡献,这一切都是出于对改革、开放和相互理解的承诺。通过拥抱变化、培养创新和促进包容性,GCA正在重新定义21世纪全球学术机构的含义。
In conclusion, the year 2023 has been a landmark period for the Global China Academy (GCA), marking a decade of significant growth, outreach, and innovation since its inception. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, GCA has not only upheld its commitment to promoting academic exchange, research dissemination, and cultural communication but has also ventured into new territories with the implementation of the ‘Reform and Opening-Up Policy.’ Endorsed by the GCA board, this policy represents a strategic pivot towards utilizing GCA’s assets more effectively, thereby ensuring the institution’s sustainability and expanding its impact.
The diverse range of activities and engagements throughout the year underscores GCA’s role as a dynamic platform for fostering understanding and cooperation between China and the global community. The introduction of the GCA Centre and the establishment of the Fellows’ Home as a space for academic hospitality have further cemented GCA’s reputation as a forward-thinking and inclusive institution.
Through strategic collaborations, extensive networking, and a steadfast dedication to its mission, GCA continues to shape the dialogue on global governance, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration. As we reflect on the achievements of the past year and look forward to the future, it is clear that GCA is poised for even greater contributions to global academic and social missions, driven by a commitment to reform, openness, and mutual understanding. By embracing change, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity, GCA is redefining what it means to be a global academic institution in the 21st century.
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A GCA Fellow’s Donation of Books Enriches the Global China Academy’s Library Collection
In a generous contribution to the academic community, Professor Robin Cohen, a Life Fellow of the Global China Academy (FGCA), has donated an invaluable collection of ten academic books to the GCA library. This significant donation highlights Professor Cohen’s dedication to enhancing education and advancing sociological knowledge through global and regional perspectives.
These books, cover various topics, offering insights into global migration, cultural diversity, and the dynamics of international relations. The collection features influential works edited or authored by Robin Cohen and others, encompassing diverse topics in sociology and political science:
- Modernities in Northeast Asia (2024), edited by Jun-Hyeok Kwak and Ken Cheng, provides a transformative view of modernity through the lens of Northeast Asian intellectual and political movements, challenging Western-centric perspectives.
- Global Diasporas: An Introduction (2022) by Robin Cohen, in its 25th anniversary edition, explores the concept of diaspora through case studies of Jewish, Armenian, African, and other diasporas, offering comprehensive guidance for students and scholars.
- Mandela-wash and other essays (2022) by Robin Cohen, is a collection of essays addressing contemporary topics such as vaccine rollouts, electoral reform, and citizenship.
- Refugia: Radical Solutions to Mass Displacement (2020) by Robin Cohen and Nicholas Van Hear, proposes innovative solutions to mass displacement.
- Migration: The Movement of Humankind from Prehistory to the Present (2019) by Robin Cohen, examines various types of migration throughout history.
- Diasporas Reimagined: Spaces, Practices and Belonging (2015), edited by Nando Sigona, Alan Gamlen, Giulia Liberatore, and Hélène Neveu Kringelbach, is a collection of essays from the Oxford Diasporas Programme.
- Migration and its Enemies: Global Capital, Migrant Labour and the Nation-State (2006) by Robin Cohen, explores the interplay between global capital, migrant labor, and national politics.
- Conceiving Cosmopolitanism: Theory, Context, and Practice (2003), edited by Steven Vertovec and Robin Cohen, is a compilation of essays on cosmopolitanism.
- Frontiers of Identity: The British and the Others (1994) by Robin Cohen examines British national identity.
- International Labour and the Third World: The Making of a New Working Class (1987), edited by Rosalind E. Boyd, Robin Cohen, and Peter C. W. Gutkind, discusses the international role of the working class.
Professor Cohen’s donation timed perfectly for the GCA, as the institution continues to expand its resources to support research and learning in sociology and related disciplines. The new additions to the library will be invaluable resources for GCA Fellows, researchers and students, facilitating a deeper understanding of the complex social issues shaping the modern world.
The GCA plans to hold a small ceremony session during the 10th GCA dinner on 8th December to acknowledge Professor Cohen’s contribution. Although the books were not present at the House of Lords for the dinner, the GCA’s website records Professor Cohen’s benevolence and ongoing support for academic excellence. Professor Xiangqun Chang, President of the GCA, expressed profound gratitude for this donation, noting it as an investment in knowledge and future research, particularly in global and comparative perspectives.
Appendixes
- In addition to the aforementioned books, Global Sociology (2017, 2012, 2000) by Robin Cohen and Paul Kennedy is a well-known textbook worldwide. Following the 1st edition, the Chinese edition 《全球社会学》was published in 2001, translated by Wen Jun 文军. It has been introduced to the Chinese academic community as a landmark work:
- creatively integrates existing theoretical traditions in sociology with emerging research perspectives, strongly focusing on contemporary issues and the dynamics of social change.
- offers a highly promising and inspiring new perspective for sociological research, especially in terms of sociological theory and methods. Through a detailed examination of global viewpoints and paradigms, it vividly reiterates the value and vision of sociology in understanding the complex and rapidly changing world in which we live.
Contrastingly, it’s worth mentioning another book, Global Sociology: Analysis of Transnational Phenomena (2006), by Jiaming Sun of Texas A&M University-Commerce and Xun Wang of University of Wisconsin-Parkside, in the USA. This book is only available in Chinese (《全球社会学: 跨国界现象的分析》, 孙嘉明 王勋 著). It consists of eight chapters covering topics such as formation of global society and global sociology, major theories and schools of global social studies, economic globalization, global social environment, etc
2. News at University of Oxford website: A Fellow for Life: https://www.kellogg.ox.ac.uk/news/a-fellow-for-life
Global China Academy Council Chair Professor Tony McEnery’s Academic Activities in China, September-November 2023
Introduction
Professor Tony McEnery’s academic journey highlighted his deep commitment to advancing corpus linguistics and its application in the development of educational materials. Particularly, the “International Conference on Frontiers of Corpus-based Interdisciplinary Research” held from October 27th to 29th not only showcased McEnery’s research achievements but also promoted international academic exchanges and cooperation. This conference gathered experts and scholars from around the world to discuss the application and challenges of corpus linguistics in modern education, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields, marking a significant milestone in the research of this area.
Timeline
On the evening of September 8th, Professor Tony McEnery hosted an expert interview and audience Q&A session titled ‘The Application of Corpus Linguistics in the Development of Spoken English Teaching Materials: Engaging with Stakeholders.’ Professor McEnery engaged in in-depth discussions on various topics such as different perspectives and methods in language learning research, limitations of language learning resources, and trends and challenges in language research. Dr. Curry presented on his five-year research project, titled ‘Engaging with Stakeholders on the Use of Corpus Linguistics for Spoken ELT Materials Development’.
On October 27-29th, Professor Tony McEnery planned and participated in an ‘International Conference on Frontiers of Corpus-based Interdisciplinary Research’. It was organized by School of Foreign Studies, Xi’an Jiaotong University. Co-organized by National Research Center of Foreign Language Education at Beijing Foreign Studies University, Journal of Foreign Language Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University Press and Journal of Corpus-based Studies across Humanities. Plenary Speeches include Tony McEnery, Lancaster University, UK/ Xi’an Jiaotong University, China; Mark Liberman, University of Pennsylvania, USA; WEI Naixing (卫乃兴) , Beihang University, China; XU Jiajin(许家金), Beijing Foreign Studies University, China; Michaela Mahlberg, University of Birmingham, UK; QIAN Yufang(钱毓芳), Zhejiang Gongshang University, China (Associated Fellow of Global China Academy); Paul Baker, Lancaster University, UK; Laurence ANTHONY, Waseda University, Japan; HU Kaibao(胡开宝), Shanghai International Studies University, China; JIANG Yue(蒋跃), Xi’an Jiaotong University, China; Niall Curry, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK; Gavin Brookes, Lancaster University, UK (Associate Fellow of Global China Academy); Paul Rayson, Lancaster University, UK.
Professor McEnery delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. He outlined the trajectory of the development of corpus linguistics. From its early beginnings with relatively modest datasets and few tools to exploit them, corpus linguistics has grown to the extent that there seems to be an endless choice of corpora and a wealth of tools to process them. However, he argues that a key feature of the future of corpus linguistics will be to focus on what cannot be done with existing corpora and tools – rather than becoming an approach to the study of language limited by the possible, corpus linguistics has always been at its best when it redefines the possible. That, he argues, is in essence the past, present, and future of this approach to the study of language. Yet he also argues that in redefining the possible, there must be a continuous effort to critique and improve the data and tools – if not, in the zeal to expand possibility, there is a risk of embracing the implausible.
Professor QIANG Yufang of Zhejiang Gongshang University, once a doctoral student under Professor McEnery and a Assocaite Fellow of the Global Chinese Academy, pointed out through her examination of reports on the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in several British newspapers that TCM is gaining increasing recognition in the Western world. However, skepticism about the scientific nature of TCM still exists. Based on this, she proposed suggestions for the translation and introduction of TCM knowledge abroad.
The conference featured 14 sub-forums, where delegates engaged in extensive exchanges and in-depth discussions on the research and application of corpora in interdisciplinary fields such as linguistics, literature, translation studies, foreign language teaching, medicine, law, and journalism.
This conference gathered more than ten of the most influential experts and scholars in the field of corpus research from both domestic and international institutions, along with teachers and students from over 110 universities worldwide. The event was marked by intense clashes of cutting-edge ideas and the fusion of academic viewpoints. It was undoubtedly a grand academic event for interdisciplinary corpus research, playing a significant role in promoting international academic exchange, fostering interdisciplinary integration, and strengthening the construction of new liberal arts.
On the evening of November 24th, the 24th lecture of the ‘Foreign Languages and Cultures Forum’ high-end international expert Masterclass series of the School of Foreign Languages was held online via Tencent Meeting. Profesor Tony McEnery participated and was the keynote speaker. He also discussed issues with Professor Culpeper, including politeness in pragmatics, language subjectivity and complexity, and corpus-based pragmatic research.
Note: Photos and texts have been provided by the organizers of events.
GCA’s Past Honorary President Professor Martin Albrow’s Academic Tour at Universities and Institutions in Beijing, 15-25/10/2023
Introduction
The programme for this tour was drawn up according to my wishes and the invitations of all the institutions mentioned below, facilitated by advice and assistance from the Embassy of the PRC in London and the Global China Academy.
My accommodation and subsistence throughout the period was generously provided by the Tsinghua University School of Journalism and Communication at the Wenjin Hotel, Chengfu Road, Beijing, as was all transport in Beijing.
The daily co-ordination of my programme with the inviting institutions was conducted by Ms LI Chengzhang, Head of the International Office of the Tsinghua School of Journalism and Communication in conjunction with Professor Xiangqun Chang, President of the Global China Academy in London and Dr QIAN Zhenhua, Co-Chair of Global China Academy Council and President of Shanghai International Corporation Association of SMEs.
Timetable
Day 1, Sunday 15 Oct. Arrival after a pleasant flight from London Heathrow airport on China Southern Airlines flight CZ 674 at Beijing Daxing airport at 3.25 pm to be met by LI Chengzhang and her assistant YU Ke. We were then driven to Wenjin Hotel for rest after the flight. Dinner at the Wenjin Hotel with Dr QIAN Zhenhua, Dr Yuan Cheng, Mr SUN Tiecheng, Mr ZHANG Jiuan, LI Chengzhang, and SONG Wuchen.
Day 2, Monday 16 Oct. 9.00-11.30. Visit to the China International Publications Group accompanied by Dr QIAN Zhenhua, Mr DU Yichao. Greeted by GAO Anming, the Deputy President of CIPG, YU Yunquan, Director of Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, LI Yunkai, President of New World Press and staff, gave a short speech, signed my book for members of staff and joined a group photograph.
In the afternoon, gave a seminar on belt and road initiative and global governance, arranged by Global China Academy, School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University and Shanghai International Corporation Association of SMEs.
Evening welcome from Dean ZHOu Qing’an of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University and guest for dinner with him and Tsinghua Faculty members.
Day 3, Tuesday 17 Oct. Visit and presentation to Beijing Foreign Studies University, School of Journalism and Communication accompanied by former Director, Professor Zhang Xiaoying.
Day 4, Wednesday 18 Oct. Visit to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences to give a seminar presentation ‘The Rise and Present Prospects of Globalization Discourse’. Discussants REN Lin, Head of Department of Global Governance, DUAN Weiwen, Head of Department of Philosophy of Science and Technology, Institute of Philosophy.
Followed by lunch hosted by WANG Lei, Deputy Director of World Economics and Politics, CASS.
Day 5, Thursday 19 Oct. At the invitation of Professor WANG Yiwei, morning lecture at Renmin University, ‘The Decline of the West.’ By Accompanied by Dr Boyi Li of the LSE Fellow and Global China Academy Council member.
Afternoon and evening participation in Renmin University conference, ‘Dialogue between China and the World – 2nd International Forum on Chinese Modernization in Global Perspective. Keynote speech ‘Contribution of Chinese Modernization to World Development.
Evening dinner with Professor Wang and conference delegates.
Day 6. Friday 20 Oct. Roundtable discussion and Lecture to the students of Tsinghua University School of Journalism and Communication, ‘Towards a human community of a shared future’ followed by Q and A.
Private dinner at Wenjin Hotel with Ms Zhang Dailei, Xinhua News Agency.
Days 7 and 8. Weekend 21/22 Oct. Private visit to Professor Zhang’s country house with her mother, and Dr Ou Shaolin and husband.
22 Oct. Evening attendance at dinner at the Millennium Hotel hosted by Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
Day 9. Monday 23 Oct. Millennium Hotel. Participation in roundtables at the 8th China Global Think Tank Innovation organized by the Centre for China and Globalization, Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, in partnership with China-West Dialogue, followed by evening reception. Meeting with Dr Colin Bradford of the China West Dialogue.
Day 10, Tuesday 24 Oct. Millennium Hotel. Attendance at the EU-China Think Tank Exchange Roundtables followed by evening reception. Interview with Xinhua News Agency
Private dinner at Millennium Hotel with Ms Ma Lei, Ministry of Culture, PRC.
Day 11, Wednesday 25 Oct. Depart for Daxing International Airport accompanied by Yu Ke. Flight China Southern Airlines, CZ 673. 11.55 am. Arrive London Heathrow, 15.45. A comfortable flight.
Conclusion
Beijing academic institutions, teachers, students and administrators engage with the best in the world and are working at the highest intensity to make their unique contribution. Most impressive was the impeccable planning of my programme even at the same time as the vast gathering for the tenth anniversary of the BRI was taking place.
To those who worked so hard and efficiently to make my visit to Beijing immensely instructive, enjoyable and worthwhile and especially to Ms LI Chengzhang (Tsinghua), Professor Xiangqun Chang (GCA), Dr QIAN Zhenhua, Professor WANG Yiwei (Renmin), Ann Tang (CCG), Professor ZHANG Xiaoying (Beiwai), Mark Lee and the officials of the Embassy of the PRC, London, Minister Counsellor Li Liyan and First Secretary Yu Guo. It was a great experience I shall always remember.
Thank you all!
Professor Martin Albrow FAcSS
Founding and Past Honorary President of Global China Academy
Former President of the British Sociological Association
Global China Academy and Global Century Press’s Activities in May 2023
During a series of events in May, supported by the GCA Board of Trustees, the Global China Academy and Global Century Press actively promoted international academic cooperation and China related studies worldwide. These activities demonstrated the academy’s emphasis on knowledge sharing, as well as the importance of understanding China’s role in the contemporary world.
On May 5, during Dr Grace Yuan Cheng’s visit to the UK, the GCA Board of Trustees held a hybrid meeting, chaired by Ingrid Cranfield. Charles Grant participated online. The second photo from the left above shows, from left to right, Dr Thomas Clarke, Dr Frances Wood, Ingrid Cranfield, Dr Yuan Cheng and Professor Xiangqun Chang.
On May 11, Professor Xiangqun Chang presented four copies of the mainland Chinese edition of China and the Shared Human Future: Exploring Common Values and Goals to the author, Professor Martin Albow, on behalf of the China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Co. Ltd., which co-developed this publication project with GCP. She also presented four copies of the English edition of the book published by Global Century Press (shown in the photos above).
On May 23, Professor Xiangqun Chang was invited to give a presentation at the inaugural China-Focused Research Forum hosted by SOAS, University of London. This event was organised by the student societies of SOAS, LSE and King’s College London. Dr Lianyi Song, Principal Teaching Fellow in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at SOAS (third from the right in the third photo above), oversaw the proceedings. Dr Song is one of the founding editors of the Journal of Chinese for Social Science (JCSS), which GCP publishes. This forum represented a good opportunity to foster engagement among students dedicated to China studies and the learning of the Chinese language. Sam Hardy (third from the left in the thrid photo above), chaired the forum. The attendees included two Chinese sociologists among the four Chinese Visiting Fellows. They are notable for being the first Visiting Fellows from China after the COVID pandemic.
The activities in May demonstrate a commitment to deepening the understanding of China’s contributions to the world. Through efforts such as publishing important works and participating in events, GCA plays an important role in promoting social scientific work with a global perspective and efforts of cross-discipline engagement in social linguistics.
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Social Mission Activities and Reflection of GCA President Xiangqun Chang in China, April 2023
During her visit to China in April 2023, Professor Xiangqun Chang, President of the Global China Academy (GCA), participated in various social mission activities, encompassing a range of meetings, visits to sponsors, and personal explorations. These activities reflect the organization’s and her own commitment and efforts to promote global understanding and cooperation.
On the morning of April 21st, a meeting took place at the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) within the China International Publishing Group (CIPG). Dr YU Yunquan (3rd from the right in the top photo), Director of ACCWS, chaired the session. Dr YU Hongjun (3rd from the left in the top photo), former Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) and Director of the Centre for Contemporary World Studies, was present as well. He had previously delivered a greeting message at the 6th Global China Dialogue on Governance for World Peace. Professor XU Baofeng from BLCU (1st from the right in the top photo), Director of the Belt and Road Research Institute, Director of the World Sinology Centre, and DU Yichao, Director of Wuxi Institute of New Culture, PhD student at UCL, and GCA Associate (2nd from the right in the top photo), also participated in the meeting. The purpose of this gathering was to advance the GCA’s social mission, specifically in preparation for the 8th Global China Dialogue on Governance for Global Health (GCD III).
During the meeting, Dr YU Hongjun highlighted the shared challenges faced by China and the rest of the world, including climate change, energy security, global health governance, and global economic stability, emphasizing the need for dialogue and collaborative efforts to address these issues. Dr YU Yunquan underscored ACCWS’s objective of fostering understanding and research on China’s global role, committing to the development of a multidisciplinary research platform aimed at expanding global knowledge of China through publishing, seminars, and international collaborations. Professor Xu Baofeng discussed the establishment of the World Sinology Centre and the organization of international conferences in China. Professor Chang Xiangqun shared insights from her observations and experiences in China, focusing on China’s engagement in global governance, its proactive involvement in the United Nations, and other multilateral institutions. She discussed the importance of dialogue in enhancing China’s comprehension of its global responsibilities. The meeting concluded with the decision that the Journal of Contemporary China and World Studies would sponsor GCD III, contingent upon receiving a report on Governance for Global Health, and the Deputy Director of ACCWS would deliver the closing remarks at the final session.
On the afternoon of April 21st, accompanied by DU Yichao, visits were made to two sponsors of the Global China Dialogues series. The first visit was to Xueshuzhi (学术志 Academic Unwavering), a brand under Scholar Education Ltd., an academic dissemination and education platform established by doctoral graduates from prestigious universities. Gathering over 2 million highly educated individuals, primarily university faculty, doctors, and masters, Xueshuzhi has been dedicated to supporting the research community’s growth. It aims to promote the dissemination and development of academic knowledge, enhance domestic researchers’ levels, and advance social sciences in China. During this visit, Dr SONG Yiping (right in the top photos), a founder of the company, recalled his initial encounter with Professor Chang approximately ten years ago, at which time he was employed as an editor at Renmin University Press. He conveyed his continued support for the Global China Dialogues.
Following this, a visit was made to Xueshuwan (学术湾 Academic Harbour), a brand of M.Y.Union, a high-tech enterprise established in 2012 specializing in software development that integrates teaching, practice, and research. Focused on developing new technologies for the social service sector, Xueshuwan offers comprehensive IT solutions to educational, government, and social service organizations. With a commitment to rigorous and practical approaches, the company has achieved rapid and sustainable growth, supported by a team of skilled developers and expert advisors in sociology and social work. Its products, tailored for the modern technological landscape, are applied across various sectors, including universities and government agencies. The General Manager, Mr JIANG Biao (right in the bottom photos), who first met Professor Chang during her lecture at Changchun University of Science and Technology in 2019, provided a tour of the company and showcased projects developed during the COVID years.
Xueshuwan, Xueshuzhi, and the Wuxi Institute of New Culture, sponsors of the 6th, 7th, and forthcoming 8th Global China Dialogues, offer free services for live streaming or recorded broadcasting of the dialogues through their platforms in China. They also provide audio and video recordings for archives, transcriptions, translations, and dual-language subtitles for videos shown during the dialogues. Their willingness to sponsor the GCD series with their resources and expertise was expressed at the GCA’s founding ceremony. Click their names to watch the greeting videos by JIANG Biao, SONG Yiping and DU Yichao.
During the trip to Shenyang, where her mother resides, Professor Chang also visited places of interest, a consistent component of her fieldwork in China. Through a golf acquaintance, she was introduced to DAI Yanyan (to her left in the top left photo), Deputy Director of the Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre at Shenyang Jianzhu University, and ZHANG Changyan (to her right in the top left photo), a chief lawyer. With their assistance, on the morning of April 27th, Yanyan and Professor Chang visited Shenyang Century Golf Club. This club features an 18-hole, 72-par course that spans 700,000 square meters and was inaugurated in 2006. Its design incorporates both Western and Asian elements, emphasizing environmental conservation with its abundant tree coverage and high-quality grass landscapes. The clubhouse is equipped with luxurious amenities and panoramic views, providing a diverse array of leisure and business facilities, such as restaurants, bars, a fitness centre, among others. Situated in the development zone of Tiexi District, close to the airport and highways, the club offers convenient access. It integrates sports, leisure, and business, delivering a premium experience for its members. The club’s viability is attributed to the Tiexi District hosting over 1,300 enterprises from 40 countries and regions, including 83 multinational corporations and 21 Fortune Global 500 companies.
Moreover, Shenyang is recognized as the cradle of golf in China. The statue shown in the bottom left photo is of Chang Hsueh-liang or Zhang Xueliang (张学良, 1901-2001), a warlord who ruled Manchuria from 1928 to 1936. Zhang, who was introduced to golf in Shenyang in 1917 after joining the Fengtian Christian Youth Association, founded China’s first golf team in 1920 with officials from China, Britain, France, America, and other countries. Initially planning to construct the first 18+1 hole golf course in Beidaihe in 1927, he instead established a nine-hole ‘mini-golf’ course, which was launched at the Shenyang Tongze Club in 1930.
On the afternoon of April 27th, Yanyan escorted Professor Chang to the Shenyang Aoyuehui City Golf Club, an indoor golf multifunctional centre. The owner, Mr. ZHAO Haixin, revealed that the facility occupies 1,200 square meters and features 6 public hitting bays, 3 VIP rooms, each equipped with a Greenjoy Hengtaixin golf simulator. Beyond these, the club boasts a water bar, rest area, and additional public entertainment facilities. It serves freshly ground imported coffee, fashionable beverages, imported red wine and beer, teas from various regions, and premium Chinese and Western snacks. According to Mr Zhao, these offerings have ensured him a stable income even through the COVID years, affording him a lifestyle comparable to the upper-middle class in Western nations.
On the afternoon of April 30th, Professor Chang visited the Mission Hills Golf Club (观澜湖高尔夫球会), which is affectionately deemed the ‘home golf club’ of her friend Wang Jie due to its closeness to Wang’s residence. The disparity in the club’s Chinese and English names stems from ‘Guanlan’ (观澜), denoting a town surrounded by hills but without a lake (湖). Established in 1992 and inspired by its mission (使命) amid the hills (群山), the club has constructed numerous artificial lakes over an expansive area of 20 square kilometres across Shenzhen and Dongguan. Designed by twelve globally renowned golf figures, it comprises 12 courses, each with 18 holes (a total of 216 holes), distinctively integrating golf course styles from all five continents. This characteristic granted it the Guinness World Record for the ‘World’s Largest Golf Club’ in 2004. However, during the COVID years, the club experienced a downturn in business relative to the indoor golf multifunction centre in Shenyang, leading to job losses for numerous caddies.
Back in the UK, the ‘home golf club’ for Professor Chang is the Mill Hill Golf Club, situated just a two-minute walk from her residence. Construction began in 1924, and the club opened in 1927. Occupying less than one square kilometre of woodland within Moat Mount Open Space and Scratchwood, it is part of section 16 of the London LOOP (The London Outer Orbital Path). This path nearly encircles Greater London, covering almost 150 miles (approximately 388.5 square kilometres) and divided into 24 sections. Moat Mount Open Space is home to the man-made Leg of Mutton Pond, and near Scratchwood within the golf course is Stoney Wood Lake, fed by Deans Brook, which flows through the northern edges of Edgware, merges with the Silk Stream, continues into the Brent River, and finally joins the Thames River in West London.
The Global China Academy pursues dual missions. Its academic mission focuses on deepening the global understanding of China and Chinese people through global and comparative perspectives, worldwide fellowships, and rigorous research. Supported by its subsidiary, Global Century Press, which publishes esteemed scholarly works, the academy aims to enhance global cooperation and understanding, preparing young leaders for societal contributions. The Global China Dialogues platform facilitates significant exchanges to cultivate a more inclusive global community, transforming research into tangible societal benefits. Nestled at the foot of Mill Hill, amid woodlands and a nearby lake, the Global China Academy is likened to a quaint ‘academic temple’, endearingly referred to as ‘Mission Hill Temple’.
During her visit to China in April 2023, Professor Xiangqun Chang’s interactions with key institutions and individuals highlighted the Global China Academy’s commitment to fostering global understanding and cooperation. Her fruitful meeting with the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) and her engagements with two key sponsors of the Global China Dialogues series—Xueshuzhi and Xueshuwan—underscored the collaboration with organizations dedicated to academic knowledge dissemination and providing technological solutions for social services, laying the groundwork for the 8th Global China Dialogue. Moreover, Professor Chang’s comparative perspective on golf clubs in China and the UK emphasized the sport’s global nature, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. By aligning the cooperative spirit of golf with her academic and social missions, she showcased the potential convergence of personal interests and professional goals, promoting a more inclusive and interconnected world.
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Global China Academy’s President Professor Xiangqun Chang’s Academic Activities in Beijing,18-20 April 2023
Introduction
On the occasion of being an invited speaker at the ‘International Conference: The Chinese Path to Modernization and the Pursuit of Humanity’s Common Values’ at Xiamen University from April 4-6, 2023, I visited China and conducted a series of lectures, seminars, and academic exchanges at various universities in Xiamen, Wuhan, Tianjin, and Beijing. In addition to fulfilling my academic responsibilities, I also participated in events and activities aligned with the social mission of the Global China Academy. This part includes only academic activities in Beijing from 18-20th April.
Timeline
On the afternoon of April 18th, I visited the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Beijing University of Technology (BUT). It was established by Professor LU Xueyi (1933-2013), the former Director of the Institute of Sociology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and former President of the Chinese Sociological Association. I paid tribute to Professor LU Xueyi’s statue (right photo), a reason that will be explained in the section on the CASS seminar. I also met Professor TANG Jun (one my left in the left photo), Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and his colleagues. We knew each other since Professor Tang worked at CASS. Coincidentally, I also met Professor LI Xiaozhuang (on my right in the left photo), from the Institute of Sociology at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences (BASS). He was Professor Lu’s PhD student. I met him in 2014 when he was working on sorting through Lu’s more than 1,000 diaries.
Professor LI Junfu (on my right in the bottom photo) chaired the lecture I delivered. He was a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford in 2019. He presented a paper titled ‘Society Building: Peacemaking with Chinese Characteristics’ at the 6th Global China Dialogue: Governance for World Peace, which I organized. The title of my lecture was ‘Realization of Goal-Oriented Cooperative Projects, Promoting the Common Value of Mankind: A Corpus-Assisted Analysis of ‘recipropriety’ (lishang-wanglai 互适). Dr CAO Feilian (on my left in the bottom photo), Associate Professor, joined the lecture. She acted as the interpreter for Professor LU Xueyi when he gave a seminar on society building at LSE in 2011, which I arranged when I worked there.
On the morning of Aprol 19th, I was invited by Professor XU Baofeng (right in left photo) for a meeting in his office at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU). He is Director of the Belt and Road Research Institute, Director of the World Sinology Center, Head of the Secretariat for the Asian Classics Inter-Translation Project, Leader of the National Project for the Chinese and Foreign Sinologists and Translators Talent Database and Chinese Culture Translation and Research Network. He was an invited speaker at the 6th Global China Dialogue: Governance for World Peace, where he delivered the paper ‘Can Confucian Ethics Help in the Elimination of Global Unilateralism, Extremism and Terrorism Based on a Comparison Between Countries and Regions with and without Influence from Confucius Ethics?’ in 2019. Professor Xu collaborated with the GCA in several ways. For instance, he published a paper titled ‘China’s Contribution to the Future of Governance’ by Professor Martin Albrow in the inaugural issue of the journal he founded, World Sinology Information (01), on April 28, 2020. He facilitated Professor Albrow’s participation and publication of the paper ‘The Prospects of the Belt and Road Initiative in the Post-pandemic Era: A Dialogue’ in the Guangming International Forum, which was published in the Guangming Daily on May 27, 2020. With his assistance, the Global Century Press published a book titled Witnessing China Combating COVID-19: My Story in China in both English and Chinese. Both Professor Albrow and I were invited speakers at the UN Chinese Language Day, discussing sinology and the Chinese language during the epidemic, and the Ceremony to Launch the International Cangjie Plan on April 19, 2020. In this meeting, we explored different possibilities of collaboration.
On the afternoon of April 19th, I was invited to give a lecture at the Institute of Sociology (CASS). I always feel at home there because my academic achievements are closely related to two great figures there: LU Xueyi (statue to my left in the right photo) and Fei Xiaotong (statue to my right in the right photo). I was introduced to LU Xueyi in 1987 by the successor of Fei Xiaotong, the then Director of the Institute of Sociology, Professor HE Jianzhang (1926-2004), when LU was serving as the Deputy Director there. It came at a time when the institute had just been granted the first major project on Marxist Sociology Theoretical Studies in China, funded by the National Social Science Foundation (NSSF) (1987-1991). Professor He offered me a position there before I graduated with my Master’s degree in 1987, as the application for the major project was likely to be successful. I was the only person in China who had received three years of training in Marxist sociology under Professor Ding Kequan at Northeast Normal University and was willing to work on this project. Professor Lu became the Director in 1988 and led the major project until 1991. As a team member, my book, On Marxist Sociology (1992) was a significant outcome of the project. I worked closely with Professor Lu and maintained a good relationship with him. After his passing, I wrote his obituary and published it in Network, the Magazine of the British Sociological Association, Winter 2013, p44.
Although my primary research focus was on Marxist sociology with CASS, I was a lecturer in Sociology at the People’s Public Security University of China (PPSUC). This role was a direct result of Fei Xiaotong’s efforts to promote sociology in public security universities in Nanjing and Beijing, starting in 1984. PPSUC recruited me right after I graduated in 1987, recognizing the unique position I held as a postgraduate from the only normal university in China offering an MA degree in sociology at the time. Coincidentally, shortly after becoming a Visiting Fellow at City University in 1991, I joined an ESRC-funded research project co-developed by Professor Stephan Feuchtwang and Professor SHEN Guanbao (1949-2016) when he was as a Visiting Fellow at LSE. Given that Shen was the only PhD student Fei Xiaotong supervised at CASS, Kaixiangong Village, Fei’s fieldwork site, naturally became a focal point in our project. My subsequent book, Guanxi or Li Shang Wanglai?: Reciprocity, Social Support Networks, Social Creativity in a Chinese Village (2010/2011 in both English and Chinese), was the result of extensive fieldwork in that village. Additionally, I served as a co-editor of FeiXiaotong Studies (3 volumes in both English and Chinese).
The title of my talk was ‘A Text Analysis Method in the Era of Big Data: Corpus-Assisted Research Based on Case Studies’. It was chaired by WANG Chunguang (pictured top right), Deputy Director of the Institute of Sociology at CASS and Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Sociological Association. The arrangement was facilitated by FU Xuejun, Director of the Research Office of the Institute of Sociology. Afterwards, we discussed the changes that have occurred over the past three decades at the Institute, as he is the only remaining individual from the time I worked there on the NSSF-funded major project who has yet to retire.
During my talk, I shared related corpora such as the collected works of Ding Kequan, a pioneer of Marxist sociology, Fei Xiaotong’s complete works, and Marx and Engels’ Complete Works. I learned that LU Xueyi’s complete works (10 volumes) have just been published to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Lu’s death. They would be a great addition to my collection of corpora. Dr YU Qin, an Assistant Research Fellow at the Anti-Corruption Research Office, informed me that she completed her PhD under the supervision of Professor SU Jinzhi at the Institute of Linguistics, CASS. Professor Su is the former President of the Chinese Social Linguistics Association. Dr Yu would like to collaborate with me to apply corpus approaches to her work. She also sent me some of her related published papers later.
On the late afternoon and evening of April 19th, after I finished my talk at CASS, I attended a short meeting at the Ministry of Education’s Research base — Centre for Sociology Theory and Methodology at Renmin University of China. It was founded by Professor ZHENG Huangsheng (1936-2014), former Vice-President of Renmin University and former President of the Chinese Sociological Association. My first meeting with Professor Zheng was at a sociology conference in Shenyang in 1985. He had been my mentor for about three decades because we shared common interests. In 2014 he chaired a lecture for me and signed a certificate of Professional Research Fellow with no time limit at the Centre, a few months before his passing. Afterwards, I wrote ‘Zheng Huangsheng: Life and Work’ and published it in Network, the Magazine of the British Sociological Association, in Spring 2015.
The meeting was chaired by Professor FENG Shizheng (to my left in the top photo), Dean of the School of Sociology and Demography (and was promoted to Vice-President of Renmin University in October 2023), Professor LU Yilong, Deputy Director of the Centre (to my right in the top photo), Associate Professor HUAN Pingqing (second from the right in the top photo), Associate Professor HUANG Jialiang (first on the right in the top photo), Deputy Dean of the School of Sociology and Demography, and LI Suocheng (first on the left in the top photo), Manager of the Centre Office.
The seminar was held in the evening, titled ‘A Text Analysis Method in the Era of Big Data: Corpus-Assisted Research Based on Case Studies.’ It was chaired by Dr Huan Pingqing (first right in the middle photo), who has conducted many studies on Fei Xiaotong. He was an invited speaker at the 6th Global China Dialogue: Governance for World Peace, where he delivered the paper ‘Confucius’ Thoughts on Ethnic Relations and Its Significance to World Peace’ in 2019. He then became a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford in 2020, a tenure that was interrupted by COVID-19.
Professor ZHAO Xudong (to my left in the bottom photo) attended the seminar. He is the Director of the Institute of Anthropology at Renmin University and was the last PhD student under Fei Xiaotong’s supervision at Peking University. During the Q&A session, we discussed how ChatGPT could influence corpus approaches to social scientific studies. This question emerged from all my lectures and seminars conducted in China. My explanation highlighted that ChatGPT is an excellent tool for generalizing answers to general questions, providing outlines for study topics, summarizing existing work of interest, drafting letters, copy editing, and performing bidirectional translations between English and Chinese, among other tasks. It poses a challenge to all electronic data-based analysis. While it complements the corpus-assisted method, it cannot replace it. This limitation stems from ChatGPT’s inability to provide specific words in related references and their contexts. Also without reading and reserach, one cannot formulate a scientific question to effectively engage ChatGPT in conversation and further studies.
On the morning of April 20th, I, along with GCA Life Fellow HAN Sang-jin (3rd from the right in the top photos), Professor Emeritus at the Department of Sociology, Seoul National University, Korea, had a meeting at the Department of Sociology, Tsinghua University. Professor LI Qiang (3rd from the left in the top photos) joined us. He is the former Dean of the School of Social Sciences at Tsinghua University and former President of the Chinese Sociological Association. He also serves as the Chinese President of the GCA Council and is a Founding Fellow of GCA. The top two photos showcase different styles of group photos: Chinese style and Korean style, provided by Professor Han afterwards along with a note expressing a determination to collaborate among the three parties. This sentiment was echoed in his video greetings at the GCA’s founding ceremony, as presented by Professor LI Qiang (click here to watch). Dr. ZHENG Lu (1st from the left in the top photos) chaired the meeting. He is Deputy Head and Associate Professor of Department of Sociology and the ‘RONG’ Professor of Data Sciences at Tsinghua University. I presented him with some publications published by Global Century Press (left photo in the bottom row), and he expressed a willingness to collaborate with GCA. He delivered a speech entitled ‘Good Finance and Good Society: Financial Institutional Reform’ at the 7th Global China Dialogue: Reforming Global Governance in 2021. Dr. ZHAO Yizhang (1st from the right in the photos) from the Department of Sociology and Dr. CHEN Yulin (2nd from the right in the photos) also attended the meeting. The right photo in the bottom row features Professor ZHANG Xiaojun and me beside a poster of his lecture. He is the former Director of the Institute of Anthropology at Tsinghua University. We met at a national sociological conference in Guangzhou 38 years ago and have maintained a good relationship since then.
On the afternoon of April 20th, I was invited by Professor ZHONG Xin (2nd from the left in the top photo), Deputy Director of the Institute of Public Communication at the School of Journalism, Renmin University of China. As mentioned in the above section at Wuhan University, media studies in Remin Uinversity is another major discipline among the top four universities in China. After she and her PhD students gave me a guided tour of the institution, centers, and school, she held a meeting for academic exchanges. She shared with me her involvement in a national social science project, one of whose sub-projects focuses on researching the persuasive power of China’s discourse on universal human values. I presented materials related to my talks and used the books published by GCP as examples.
On the evening of April 20th, I had a dinner meeting with Professor GU Yueguo (middle in the right photo) and his wife, Professor LAN Chun. Professor Gu is a Research Professor of Linguistics and the Head of the Contemporary Linguistics Department at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), China. He is also Life Fellow of the Global China Academy (click here to watch the greeting video at the GCA’s founding ceremony) and an Executive Editors of the Journal of Corpus Approaches to Chinese Social Science (JCACSS) in both English and Chinese Editions.I met Professor Gu at an International Colloquium on New Discourses in Contemporary China at Lancaster University in September 2007. He expressed interest in my talk on ‘Lishang-wanglai: a Chinese model of social relations and relatedness’. It was my attempt to cross into the discipline of social linguistics and learn about his related work. Professor LAN Chun (left in right photo) is the former Director of the Linguistics Center at the School of English, Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). She also serves as the Executive Editor of the Journal of Chinese for Social Sciences (Chinese Edition), published by Global Century Press. She arranged a hybrid GCA meeting in Beijing in November 2022.
While I was in Beijing from April 18th to 20th, I participated in a series of meaningful academic activities involving some renowned institutions in the capital of China. Firstly, I delivered a speech at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Beijing University of Technology, founded by Professor LU Xueyi. Following that, during my visit to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, I revisited the foundations of Chinese sociology and reflected on the influences of Fei Xiaotong and LU Xueyi on my work. These visits underscored the advancements in social science research methods in the digital age. My experience at Renmin University of China emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in social sciences, collaborating with the Center for Sociological Theory and Methodology to explore complex social issues. Engaging with scholars from Tsinghua University, Renmin University’s School of Journalism, Beijing Language and Culture University, and Beijing Foreign Studies University was also fruitful. In conclusion, this academic journey in Beijing highlighted the vibrancy of intellectual exchange and the deep connections between Chinese social science and the global academic community, emphasizing the evolving nature of research fields and the collaborative spirit driving our understanding of social dynamics.
By Xiangqun Chang
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Global China Academy Council Chair Professor Tony McEnery’s Academic Activities in China, April-May 2023
Introduction
In 2023, the Global China Academy Council Chair, Professor Tony McEnery FAcSS, distinguished Professor of Lancaster University, had been appointed as a distinguished Chair Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU). As a renowned expert in corpus linguistics, he engaged in various academic activities in China. His contributions included inaugurating the ‘McEnery Corpus Research Center’ at XJTU and delivering insightful lectures at several universities. These lectures, covering topics such as ‘Language Matters,’ ‘Corpus Linguistics, Learner Corpora, and Second Language Acquisition,’ and the application of corpus linguistics in the era of big data, showcased his commitment to linguistic research and interdisciplinary study. His activities in China highlighted the dynamic and evolving nature of corpus linguistics and its potential to address complex social issues, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation and critical evaluation in research methods.
Timeline
On the afternoon of April 17, 2023, Professor Tony McEnery was appointed as a Chair Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU). The Vice President of Xi’an Jiaotong University, XI Guang, met with Professor McEnery and presented him with a certificate, and adorned him with the XJTU badge. During the meeting, XI Guang and McEnery jointly unveiled the ‘McEnery Corpus Research Center’ at the School of Foreign Languages of XJTU.
XI Guang expressed his hope that this appointment would serve as a starting point to build a cooperative bridge and further promote new achievements in inter-university collaboration. Professor McEnery stated his intention to fully leverage his personal capabilities to continue actively promoting cooperation between both parties and to embark on more substantive joint work.
After the meeting, Professor McEnery presented a lecture entitled ‘Language Matters’ to the faculty and students of Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU).
The lecture was divided into three parts: exploration, critical evaluation, and technological innovation. Professor McEnery used three classic studies from the ESRC-CASS Centre at Lancaster University, UK, as cases to illustrate the innovation in linguistic research methods to the audience, and sparked their thinking about interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research and technology in the era of big data. Professor McEnery emphasized that language itself and its role in different areas of social life are of undeniable importance. The use of large-scale text corpora is significant in linguistic research, and employing interdisciplinary research methods to analyze the relationship between language and society is of great importance. It enables researchers to analyze real language more deeply and in detail, providing new perspectives and methods for understanding social phenomena. During the question-and-answer session, the attending faculty and students engaged in discussions with Professor McEnery about parts of the lecture that interested them.
On the afternoon of April 19, Professor Tony McEnery gave a lecture at the School of Foreign Studies of Xi’an Jiaotong University titled ‘Corpus Linguistics, Learner Corpora, and Second Language Acquisition.’ Starting from perspectives such as research origins, corpus size, interdisciplinary interaction, and research objectives, he analyzed the relationship between learner corpora and second language acquisition research and offered research suggestions. The faculty and students present actively asked questions, engaging in more in-depth discussions and exchanges with Professor McEnery on topics such as language theory, foreign language learning, and the relationship with corpora.
On the afternoon of April 20th, Professor Tony McEnery engaged in academic exchange at the Institute of Foreign Languages and Literatures of Xi’an International Studies University. He delivered an academic speech titled ‘Corpus Linguistics: Past, Present, and Future,’ in which he detailed the three important stages that corpus linguistics has undergone from its origins to its rapid rise, and discussed the future trends in the discipline in the context of the big data era.
On the morning of April 23, Professor Tony McEnery gave an academic report titled ‘Language Matters’ at the School of Foreign Languages of Zhejiang Gongshang University, with the session chaired by Professor Qian Yufang.
Professor McEnery discussed the role of language in different contexts and how linguists collaborate with other fields to explore issues related to their core subjects. Through ongoing cases at the ESRC Centre for Corpus Approaches to Social Science (CASS) at Lancaster University, he demonstrated how language research can innovate methodologies, thus fostering a critical evaluation of ‘big data’ technologies.
He emphasized that the methods used should be grounded in our identity as linguists and also evaluated by linguists. By analyzing cases such as 17th-century English, patient feedback in the UK National Health Service, and Islamophobia in British news media, he showed how to combine advanced corpus methods with linguists’ insights into language, thereby revealing the value of the research.
The significance of this lecture lies in demonstrating the potential for linguists to conduct interdisciplinary research in different social contexts and historical periods. By collaborating with other fields, linguists can uncover new insights into language and its impact on society. This interaction is not one-way, as linguists can also reflect on their own practices and find various explanatory frameworks through language analysis.
On April 24, Professor Tony McEnery delivered a lecture titled ‘Language Matters’ at Shanghai International Studies University, hosted by Professor HU Kaibao. This lecture had the same title as the one he delivered at XJTU on April 17.
On the afternoon of April 26th, Professor Tony McEnery gave an academic lecture titled ‘Discourse, Language Learning, and Learner Corpora’ at the School of Foreign Studies, Xi’an Jiaotong University, as part of the ‘High-End International Expert Masterclass Series’. Professor McEnery discussed the relationship between discourse, language learning, and learner corpora, and raised many thought-provoking questions and suggestions related to language acquisition research, using specific case studies. After the lecture, there was an in-depth exchange and discussion with the students and faculty on topics such as discourse structure annotation, the construction of new types of corpora, corpus-based pragmatics research, and the limitations of learner corpora.
Professor Tony McEnery said that he had a highly enjoyable visit to China in April and May. His base was at Xi’an Jiaotong University, where he holds a prestigious Chair Professorship. During his stay, he engaged in providing valuable advice to staff, PhD candidates, and undergraduate students. Additionally, he delivered a series of lectures, highlighting the significant impact that studying large collections of language data, known as corpora, can have on the social sciences. Professor McEnery also had the opportunity to speak on the same topic at Xi’an International Studies University, Zhejiang Gongshang University, and Shanghai International Studies University. His interactions with numerous colleagues in China were not only enjoyable but also insightful, particularly in observing the keen interest in the study of language as a component of the social sciences in China. In October, Professor McEnery attended a conference at Xi’an Jiaotong University. This conference brought together scholars from around the world to discuss the intersection of language, data, and society. Before and after the October conference, Professor McEnery also participated in online forums.
Professor Tony McEnery’s academic activities in China, highlighted his prominent role in the field of corpus linguistics. His series of lectures, including ‘Language Matters’ and discussions on topics like discourse analysis, language learning, and learner corpora, showcased his commitment to advancing linguistic research, particularly in the context of big data. His interactions, spanning various universities and covering a range of linguistic topics, not only fostered academic exchange but also reflected the dynamic and evolving nature of corpus linguistics. McEnery’s visit was instrumental in demonstrating the potential of linguistics to address complex social issues and the importance of continuous innovation and critique in linguistic research methods.
Note: Photos and texts have been provided by the organizers of events.