Global China Academy Celebrates a Decade of Excellence and Intellectual Exchange
The Global China Academy (GCA) proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary in conjunction with the conclusion of the 8th Global China Dialogue. This significant milestone was marked by a series of events held at prestigious venues, including the British Academy and UK Parliament, on December 8, 2023.
This year’s celebration was not just a reflection on the past decade’s achievements but also a forward-looking gathering that set the stage for future intellectual exchange and collaboration. The event brought together scholars, experts, and thought leaders from around the world, facilitating insightful discussions on global health governance and related themes.
Highlights of the Anniversary Celebrations:
- The evening commenced with a reception celebrating the launch of new websites for the Global China Academy and Global Century Press. This digital expansion represents GCA’s commitment to accessible and global knowledge dissemination.
- The dinner was a blend of celebration, recognition, and intellectual discourse. Notable speeches were delivered by key figures, including Professor Martin Albrow, Professor Tony McEnery and Professor Robin Cohen, reflecting on GCA’s journey and its pivotal role in fostering global dialogue and building global society.
- The event also recognized the contributions of various scholars to the field of China studies and global exchange. Certificates were awarded to GCA Fellows, Associate Fellows institutional Fellows, acknowledging their significant academic achievements and contributions.
- The celebration included virtual contributions from GCA Fellows and speakers who couldn’t attend in person, highlighting the Academy’s widespread influence and connections.
Over the past decade, the Global China Academy has established itself as a leading institution in promoting scholarly research and dialogue on China and its global interactions. Its conferences, publications, and academic collaborations have significantly contributed to the understanding of China’s role in the world.
As the Academy steps into its second decade, it continues to uphold its mission of fostering intellectual exchanges, promoting diverse perspectives, and contributing to global understanding and cooperation.
The ‘Photo Report’ below contains about 1,500 words and 70 photos, and includes links for viewing or downloading related speech notes and greeting texts or video transcriptions.
Photo report: Reception and Dinner to Celebrate the Conclusion of GCD8 and the GCA’s 10th Anniversary, 19:00-22:30, 8 December 2023 at the House of Lords, the UK Parliament
Reception: 19:00-19:30 Drinks and networking
Reception: 19:30-19:50 Launch of two new websites for GCA and GCP
Chair: Professor Maria Jaschok 叶玛丽教授, Life Fellow of Global China Academy, Senior Research Associate of the Contemporary China Studies Programme in the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, University of Oxford
Brief introduction to the two websites, by Professor Xiangqun Chang 常向群教授 FRSA FGCA and President of Global China Academy; Honorary Professor of University College London (2015-20); Distinguished Professor of Nankai University of China
Participants at the launch of the new websites
Dinner: celebrating the conclusion of the 8th Global China Dialogue and the 10th Anniversary of Global China Academy
Dinner: 20:10-20:25 (after starter) Speeches
Chair: Professor Elena Semino 埃琳娜·塞米诺教授 FAcSS FRSA, GCD Organizing Committee member, Director of the ESRC Centre for Corpus Approaches to Social Science, Lancaster University (left in photo)
Speakers:
- Professor Martin Albrow 马丁阿尔布劳教授, FAcSS, Founding and Past Honorary President of Global China Academy; Former President of the British Sociological Association (left in photo). Click to download speech notes in dual languages.
- Professor Tony McEnery 托尼麦肯尼教授, FAcSS FRSA FGCA and Chair of Global China Academy Council, Council Member of the Academy of Social Sciences, Distinguished Professor of English Language and Linguistics at Lancaster University (second left in photo). Click to download speech notes in dual languages.
- Dr QIAN Zhenhua 钱振华博士, Co-Chair of Global China Academy Council; Shanghai International Corporation Association of SMEs, China (second right in photo). Click to download speech notes in dual languages.
- Professor Robin Cohen 罗宾科恩教授, Life Fellow of Global China Academy; Emeritus Professor and Former Director of the International Migration Institute, University of Oxford (right in photo). Click to download speech notes in dual languages.
Dinner: 21:15-21:25 (after main course) Presentation of certificates
Chair: Presentation of certificates, Professor Tony McEnery 托尼·麦肯尼教授 (right in photo)
Presentation of certificates to GCA Individual Fellows
Presenter: Dr Frances Wood 吴芳思博士, Trustee of Global China Academy; former Curator of Chinese Collections at the British Library
GCA Fellows 院士 Recipients:
- Professor HOU Shiyuan 郝时远教授, Academician and former Associate President and former Director of the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (absent, in China)
- Professor Nora Ann Colton 诺拉科尔顿教授, Director of the UCL Global Business School for Health (GBSH) (absent, in Manila)
- Professor LI Linxue 李麟学教授, Dean of the College of Arts and Media at Tongji University, China (left)
GCA Associate Fellows 准院士 Recipients:
- Professor QIAN Yufang 钱毓芳教授, Director of Institute of Corpus and Discourse Studies, School of Foreign Studies, Zhejiang Gongshang University, China; Editor of the Journal of Corpus Approaches to Chinese Social Sciences (centre)
- Dr Gavin Brookes 加文布鲁克斯博士, Reader in Linguistics and UKRI Future Leader Fellow with an interest in corpus linguistics, discourse analysis and health communication, Lancaster University, UK, Executive Editor of the Journal of Corpus Approaches to Chinese Social Sciences (right)
- Professor WANG Xin 王鑫教授, Head of Department of Communication, College of Arts and Media, Director of Research Centre for Chinese Discourse and Global Communication at Tongji University (absent, in China)
Presentation of certificates to GCA Institutional Fellows
Presenter: Professor Xiangqun Chang 常向群教授
GCA Institutional Fellows Recipients 院士单位:
- The UCL Global Business School for Health (GBSH), UK. Recipient: Professor Simcha Jong 辛查钟教授, GBSH representative (left)
- The ESRC Centre for Corpus Approaches to Social Science at Lancaster University, UK. Recipient: Professor Elena Semino 埃琳娜塞米诺教授, CASS representative (centre)
- The College of Arts and Media (CAM) at Tongji University, China. Recipient: Professor LI Linxue 李麟学教授, CAM representative (right)
Presentation of certificate to GCA Council member:
Presenter: Professor Tony McEnery 托尼·麦肯尼教授, Chair of Global China Academy Council
Recipient: Dr QIAN Zhenhua 钱振华博士, Co-Chair of Global China Academy Council
Dinner: 21:15-21:25 (after dessert) Greeting messages and videos
Chair: Professor Tony McEnery 托尼·麦肯尼教授, reading greeting messages and watching videos from absent GCA Fellows and GCD8 speakers (left)
Greeting messages were received from Professor KOMAI Hiroshi 駒井 洋教授 FGCA, a Japanese sociologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Tsukuba and Shigakukan University, Japan; Professor Laurence Roulleau-Berger 罗兰教授, Life Fellow of Global China Academy, Emeritus Research Director at National Centre for Scientific Research (NCSR).
Videos with English and Chinese dual language subtitles:
Videos from absent GCA Fellows: Professor XIE Lizhong 谢立中教授, Founding Fellow and Chinese President of Global China Academy, Distinguished Chair Professor and former head of Department of Sociology of Peking University, China (top left); Professor Carsten Herrmann-Pillath 何梦笔教授, Founding Fellow and Vice-President of Global China Academy (European engagement), Permanent Fellow at the Max Weber Centre for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies, Erfurt University, Germany (top second left); Professor Shigeto Sonoda 園田茂人教授, Founding Fellow and Vice-President of Global China Academy (Asian engagement), Professor of Comparative Sociology and Asian Studies at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, University of Tokyo, Japan (top second right); Professor BING Zheng 邴正教授, Life Fellow of Global China Academy, former Executive Vice-President of Jilin University, former Vice-President of the Chinese Sociological Association, China (top right); Professor Prasenjit Duara 杜赞奇教授, Life Fellow of Global China Academy, Distinguished Professor of East Asian Studies, Duke University, USA (centre left); Professor Peter van der Veer 彼得·范德维尔教授, Life Fellow of Global China Academy, Emeritus Professor and former Director of the Study of Religious Diversity at the Max Planck Institute, Germany (centre second left); Professor GU Yueguo 顾曰国教授, Life Fellow of Global China Academy, Emeritus Research Professor of Linguistics in the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Beijing Foreign Studies University, China (centre right); Professor HOU Shiyuan 郝时远教授, Fellow of Global China Academy (2023), Academician and former Associate President and former Director of the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (bottom left)
Videos from absent invited speakers:
Professor Lawrence Gostin 劳伦斯·戈斯汀教授, Founding O’Neill Chair in Global Health Law, Georgetown University
Professor Andrew Bastawrous 安德鲁·巴斯塔罗斯教授 OBE, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Co-Founder & CEO – Peek Vision
Click here to view all the above texts or transcriptions.
Afterwards, Professor Martin Albrow and Dr Frances Wood expressed their heartfelt appreciation to Professor Xiangqun Chang for her dedication and hard work in ensuring the success of the 8th Global China Dialogue and the 10th Anniversary of the Global China Academy. As the event came to a close, participants gathered in groups, exchanging warm greetings and farewells and taking photos to capture the occasion.
The Global China Dialogue Organising Committee is pleased to share feedback from a participant, which underscores the impactful nature of our events and the wide-reaching benefits they offer to attendees from diverse professional backgrounds.
‘I wish to send my most heartfelt thanks to Professor Chang for the wonderful and most successful event yesterday. Although my expertise is in family law and not the health sector, I feel I have benefited so much by attending the event, listening to all the talks and the research and insight from the various speakers. They were all fantastic and their hard work behind the research is outstanding and so much appreciated.
I especially would like to thank Professor Chang for inviting my friend Qing Miao and me to the dinner at the House of Lords. It was not planned by us, but we were both delighted and felt privileged to have been there. The presentation of the certificates and the various speakers sending their messages and greetings from the UK and abroad were extremely moving and uplifting. It was a real encouragement that the good work which has been started must continue and the gain will in time benefit us all.
I wish the GCA every success in all you do and once again thank you so much for the opportunity to be included in the attendance yesterday.’ — Brenda Wong Robinson, Associate at Buckles Solicitors LLP
More information is available on the GCD8 website: https://globalchinaacademy.org/global-china-dialogue-8.
- Click here to visit Photo Highlights: Global China Dialogue VIII (2023), New Website Launches for Global China Academy and Global Century Press, and 10th Anniversary of Global China Academy
- Click here to visit Photo highlights: Reception including Drinks and Networking, and Launch of Two New Websites for Global China Academy and Global Century Press.
- Click here to visit Photo Highlights: Dinner to Celebrate the Conclusion of the 8th Global China Dialogue and the 10th Anniversary of the Global China Academy (Part I), Including Speeches, Presentation of Certificates.
- Clich here to visit Photo Highlights: Dinner to Celebrate the Conclusion of the 8th Global China Dialogue and the 10th Anniversary of the Global China Academy (Part II) Including Reading Messages and Playimng Video Greetings, and Videos from Absent Speakers of GCD8.
- Click here to visit the GCD 8 website for more.
Exciting Updates from the 8th Global China Dialogue
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 revealed many weaknesses in our healthcare systems and structures across the world and showed that health is a challenge that requires global governance and cooperation. Other issues such as climate change, the global prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, inadequate access to healthcare services and the lack of health workers globally also show that the need for global cooperation to deal with transnational challenges has never been greater.
The 8th Global China Dialogue explored the challenges and opportunities for global health governance, especially in the Chinese context, given China’s ageing population, continued economic growth and desire to reimagine healthcare management and governance. The Healthy China 2030 strategy emphasizes the need to develop the health sector in China. China has also instituted significant regulatory reforms in the health sector, while considering healthcare in the new global governance framework.
The GCD8 was co-organized by the Global China Academy in collaboration with the UCL Global Business School for Health, the ESRC Centre for Corpus Approaches to Social Science at Lancaster University, UK, and the College of Arts and Media at Tongji University, China. It received support and sponsorship from numerous universities, institutions and companies.
The GCD8 and associated events, held on December 8, 2023, at the prestigious British Academy and UK Parliament, brought together scholars and experts from the UK, China, and France for an enlightening hybrid offline and online conference. Delving into the complexities of global health governance, the dialogue consisted of four insightful panels:
- Global Health and System Integration
- The Challenges of Global Health Governance
- Communicating to Improve Global Health
- Health Governance in the Digital Space
The ‘Photo Report’ below contains about 2,100 words and 130 photos, and includes links for viewing or downloading almost all the speech notes or PowerPoint presentations from the GCD8.
Photo report: The 8th Global China Dialogue — Governance for Global Health and the Global China Academy’s 10th Anniversary
Friday, 08:30-17:00, 8 December 2023 at the British Academy, followed by a Celebration Reception and Dinner at the House of Lords
Opening session
Greetings from political and academic figures
Chair: Professor Tony McEnery 托尼·麦肯尼教授 FAcSS FRSA FGCA and Chair of Global China Academy Council, Distinguished Professor of English Language and Linguistics at Lancaster University; Council Member, Academy of Social Sciences (right in panel)
Speakers (from left to right):
- Minister Wang Qi 王起of the Chinese Embassy to the UK said that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global public health and socio-economic development. Only by joining hands to build a global community of health for all can we effectively maintain and promote the safety and sustainable development of human life and health.
- Professor Ibrahim Abubakar 易卜拉欣阿布巴卡尔, Pro-Provost (Health) and Dean of Faculty of Population Health Sciences at UCL, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing major global health challenges, such as the climate crisis, infectious diseases and health inequalities. He underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts, data-driven policies and equitable access to healthcare to improve health outcomes worldwide.
- Professor LI Linxue 李麟学, Dean of the College of Arts and Media and Distinguished Professor of the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at Tongji University, stated that the health sector is increasingly becoming a focal point of attention for the entire society. In the fields of urban planning and urban environmental design, healthy cities, communities and architecture, there is vast potential for development in emerging technologies such as big data, intelligence, simulation and green low-carbon construction.
- Professor Martin Albrow 马丁阿尔布劳, the Founding and Past Honorary President of the Global China Academy, provided some insights into the GCA’s history and announced the 10th anniversary of the Global China Academy, including a reception and celebration dinner.
The photos below illustrate keynote speeches, panel discussions and closing remarks at the Global China Dialogue, as well as the Reception and Dinner. Additionally, there are images from the Q&A sessions and networking opportunities during breaks. It is hoped that this combination of images and text will promote dynamic dialogue for interested readers, regardless of whether or not they participated in GCD8.
Keynotes speeches
‘Global Governance and Health: Navigating the Complex Landscape’. Professor Nora Colton 诺拉·科尔顿教授视频, Director of UCL Global Business School for Health [online greeting]. Her presentation was delivered by Professor Colton’s colleague Professor Kabir Sheikh卡比尔·谢赫教授代读, UCL GBSH). Click to download the following items: greetings, speech notes and PowerPoint presentation.
‘The Development of Healthy China in the Digital Era’, Professor HUANG Gang 黄钢教授, Founding President of Shanghai Health Medical College, Distinguished Chair Professor of Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China [online]. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation in English and Chinese.
Group photo at the end of the Opening session.
Panel I: Global Health and System Integration
Chair: Professor Jolene Skordis 乔琳·斯科迪斯教授, Institute of Global Health, University College London
Plenary speakers (from left to right):
- ‘Mixed Health Systems in Asia and the Challenge of Governance’, Professor Kabir Sheikh 卡比尔谢赫教授, Global Business School for Health, former Policy Adviser for the World Health Organization (WHO). Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
- ‘Interconnectedness and Competition in the Global Health System’, Professor Gerry Bloom 格里布鲁姆教授, Research Fellow and Co-Convenor of the Health and Nutrition Research Cluster, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex. Click to download the speech notes and PowerPoint presentation.
- ‘Integration and Innovation: The Logic and Practice of China’s Active Health Strategy in the Era of Population Ageing’, Professor HOU Shengtian 侯胜田教授, Professor of School of Management, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Director of the Health Industry Research Centre of the National Institute of Chinese Medicine Development and Strategy, China [online]. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation (in Chinese and English).
- ‘Integration and Cooperation: The Empirical Solution of Global Health Development’, Dr Peter Jeng 郑荣昌博士, CEO and Founder of China Britain Healthcare Consulting, UK; Deputy Secretary General of EU–China Commission, Belgium [online]. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
Panel II: The Challenges of Global Health Governance
Chair: Ms Suzanne Wait 苏珊娜·维特女士, Managing Director of Health Policy Partnership and a Health Executive in Residence at GBSH, UCL
Plenary speakers (from left to right):
- ‘Building the Tools of Global Health Governance: The Case of Coronavirus’, Dr Joël Ruet 周瑞博士 , CNRS researcher at i3, Ecole Polytechnique; Senior Adviser Technology for Change and President of The Bridge Tank (G20 Think Tank Member), France
- ‘The Problems Faced by Medical Aesthetics: Challenges in Global Health Governance’, Dr LIAO Nong 廖农医师, Chief Physician of the Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
- ‘Challenge from an Ageing Society: The Urgency and Strategy of China’s Health Industry Development’, Professor YIN Weihai 殷卫海教授, Professor and Deputy Dean of the School of Biomedical Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China [online] Click to download the PowerPoint presentation in English and Chinese.
- ‘Utilising Multi-disciplinary Research to Promote Global Health System Preparedness: Early Evidence from China’, Dr Yuxi Zhang 张予曦博士, Assistant Professor in Health Policy and Systems, Global Business School for Health, University College London, UK. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
Panel III: Communicating to Improve Global Health
Chair: Professor Paul Baker 保罗·贝克教授, Department of Linguistics and English Language, Lancaster University
Plenary speakers (from left to right)
- ‘Understanding and Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy’, Professor Elena Semino 埃琳娜塞米诺教授 FAcSS FRSA, Director of the ESRC Centre for Corpus Approaches to Social Science, Lancaster University, UK. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
- ‘Public Communication about Dementia: Identifying and Challenging Stigma’, Dr Gavin Brookes 加文布鲁克斯博士, Reader in Linguistics and UKRI Future Leader Fellow with an interest in corpus linguistics, discourse analysis and health communication, Lancaster University; and Dr Emma Putland 艾玛·普特兰博士, Senior Research Associate, Lancaster University, UK. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
- ‘Evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Discourse in British Newspapers: A Corpus-Based Diachronic Study’, Professor QIAN Yufang 钱毓芳教授, Director of Institute of Corpus and Discourse Studies, School of Foreign Studies, Zhejiang Gongshang University, China. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
- ‘Making Global and Local: Viruses as a Media’, Professor WANG Xin 王鑫教授, Head of Department of Communication, College of Arts and Media, Tongji University, China [online]. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
- ‘Supporting Health Engagement and Co-creation’, Dr Marzena Nieroda 马泽纳涅罗达博士, Lecturer in Marketing and Commercialization for Healthcare at UCL Global Business School for Health (GBSH), University College London, UK. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
Panel IV: Health Governance in the Digital Space
Chair: Dr Kim Yahya 金·叶海亚博士, a biomedical scientist who has worked in a variety of settings from academia to biotech companies in the UK
Plenary speakers (from left to right)
- ‘Capitalising on the Health Data Gold Mine: Using Federated Learning to Engage China in the Global Health Data Space’, Professor Simcha Jong 辛查钟教授, Professor of Management and Healthcare Innovation, Director DBA Health programme, UCL Global Business School for Health, UK. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
- ‘The Evolution of Health Governance in the Digital Health Space’, Professor Adam Dubis 亚当杜比斯教授, Deputy Director of Research and Programme Lead for MSc Digital Health and Entrepreneurship at UCL’s Global Business School for Health, University College London, UK. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
- ‘Hainan Free Trade Port: Challenges and Opportunities for Health’, by Professor NING Yi 宁毅教授, Professor and Dean of School of Public Health, Hainan Medical University, China [online]. Click to download the PowerPoint presentation.
- ‘A New Culture of Governance for an Inclusive Digital Future’, Dr Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos 迪米特里奥斯卡洛格罗普洛斯博士, Health Executive in Residence at GBSH, UCL, and CEO of Global Health and Digital Innovation Foundation, UK. Click to download the speech notes and PowerPoint presentation.
Closing session
Chair: Professor Xiangqun Chang 常向群教授, FRSA FGCA and President of Global China Academy; Honorary Professor of University College London (2015-20); Distinguished Professor of Nankai University of China; UK (right)
Closing remarks:
- ‘An Off-the-Cuff Summary of the Dialogue’s Main Themes’, Professor Tony McEnery 托尼麦肯尼教授, FAcSS FRSA FGCA and Chair of Global China Academy Council; Council Member of Academy of Social Sciences; Distinguished Professor of English Language and Linguistics at Lancaster University. He highlighted the interdisciplinary and engaging discussions that had occurred throughout the day, touching on various aspects of health, governance, trust and the role of traditional and modern medicine. The Dialogue emphasized the importance of listening, valuing diverse perspectives and the enriching nature of such exchanges. It also hinted at future discussions on AI and ethics, emphasizing the critical intersection of healthcare, decision-making and ethical considerations in the deployment of AI technologies. The day was summarized as insightful, stimulating a broadened perspective on health and governance, underscored by the foundational role of trust in scientific and medical expertise.
- ‘Upholding the Spirit of Open Cooperation, Building a Healthy Global Society for Mankind’, Mr FAN Daqi 范大祺副院长, Deputy Director and Chief Translator/Editor of the Academy of Contemporary China and World (ACCWS), China [pre-recorded video]. Fan Daqi’s closing speech was delivered in Chinese. He focused on the imperative of open cooperation and building a global health community. He discussed the impact of the pandemic, the importance of addressing global health governance and the need for dialogue and cooperation beyond geographical and systemic differences. Fan emphasized the role of think tanks, universities and research institutions in knowledge sharing and collaborative research to enhance global health governance. He advocated for a common health community, emphasizing sovereign equality, equity and the consideration of vulnerable groups’ rights and well-being. Fan also highlighted China’s contributions to global health governance and called for increased international cooperation to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Click to download the speech notes in Chinese and English.
Q & A sessions
Networking during registration, tea/coffee breaks and lunch
That evening, a Reception and Dinner were hosted at the House of Lords in the UK Parliament. Click here to view and download the related speech notes.
We have a large collection of photos from the 8th Global China Dialogue (GCD 8), and we’ve selected essential shots for publication on our photo report webpage. We encourage readers to explore the site to view many more photos that capture the essence of the event. This photo review showcases participants and highlights from the opening session, panel discussions, and networking breaks. It also includes the reception that marked the launch of new websites for the Global China Academy and the Global Century Press. Additionally, featured is the dinner celebrating the conclusion of the 8th Global China Dialogue and the 10th anniversary of the Global China Academy.
We are excited to share the profound insights and discussions presented by our esteemed speakers. Their expertise and contributions made this dialogue a landmark event in advancing the discourse on global health governance.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the organisers, supporters, sponsors, chairs, speakers, participants and volunteers who made this event a grand success. Your active engagement and insightful contributions are invaluable to the ongoing conversation on global health.
Don’t miss out on the enriching content from the 8th Global China Dialogue. Visit the GCD 8 website now to explore the photo reviews, speeches, presentations, and more!
- Click here to visit Photo Highlights: Global China Dialogue VIII (2023), New Website Launches for Global China Academy and Global Century Press, and 10th Anniversary of Global China Academy.
- Click here to visit Photo Highlights: Registration and Opening Session, including Greetings, Special Address, Keynote Speeches, and Announcement of Events Relating to GCA’s 10th Anniversary.
- Click here to visit Photo highlights: Panel I — Global Health and System Integration.
- Click here to visit Photo highlights: Panel II — The Challenges of Global Health Governance.
- Click here to visit Photo highlights: Panel III — Communicating to Improve Global Health.
- Click here to visit Photo highlights: Panel IV — Health Governance in the Digital Space and Closing Session.
- Clich here to visit the GCD 8 Website.
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.
- Click here to view Global China Academy Council Chair Professor Tony McEnery’s Academic Activities in Hong Kong and China, 2024.
- Click here to view Global China Academy Council Chair Professor Tony McEnery’s Academic Activities in China, April-May 2023.
- Click here to visit Professor Tony McEnery FGCA page.
- Click here to visit News section.
The 8th Global China Dialogue: Governance for Global Health
The 8th Global China Dialogue (GCD VIII)
Governance for Global Health
8:30-17:00, Friday, 8th December 2023, The British Academy &
19:00-22:30 Celebration Dinner for the 10th Anniversary of Global China Academy and
the GCD (VIII), Peers Dining Room, The UK Parliament
Click here for the GCD VIII page
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
10th Anniversary of Global China Academy (CCPN Global, 2013-2023)
To celebrate ten years since the founding of Global China Academy (formally CCPN Global and Global China Institute, 2013–2023), we have produced a brochure. It includes information about:
- Global China Academy
- the GCA Fellowship
- the Global China Dialogues
- Global Century Press
Global China Academy: An Introduction
About Global China academy
Global China Academy (GCA) is a UK-based independent worldwide fellowship that encourages comprehensive studies on China in the social sciences and humanities. Taking language-based global or comparative perspectives, it aims to add to the sum of human knowledge. It also encourages participation in global society building and governance. All of this is achieved through the dissemination of academic research, knowledge transfer, social consultancy and public engagement.
- Our publishing subsidiary, Global Century Press (GCP, UK Company No.: 08892970) is the only independent platform in the world dedicated to publishing uncensored work on China.
- Global China Dialogue (GCD) series forum is a high-end discourse platform facilitating communication between the Chinese and the rest of the world.
Board of Trustees
GCA was formerly known as CCPN Global, founded in 2013 (Charity No. 1154640), and Global China Institute. As a UK Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO, Charity No. 1198983), GCA is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for running the organisation in accordance with charity law, and for making risk assessments and taking the lead in implementing appropriate action if any risk should occur. Chair: Ingrid Cranfield. Founding and Past Hon. President (2013–2021): Martin Albrow FAcSS.
GCA Council
The GCA Council is composed of prominent individuals who have a keen interest in the study of China and the Chinese in a global context. The Council plays a vital role, advising and guiding the next phase of the Academy’s development and beyond. It is active in a range of other ways, including the recruitment of new Fellows, contribution of articles to our journals, recommendation and submission of books for publication by Global Century Press, recommendation of themes and speakers for our Global China Dialogues, and in raising the Academy’s profile around the world.
- Council Chair Prof Tony McEnery FAcSS FRSA FGCA, Lancaster University, UK
- Chinese Council Chair: Prof LI Qiang FGCA, Tsinghua University, China
- Non-Executive Chair, Prof LI Wei FBA FAcSS FRSA FGCA, IOE of University College London, UK
- Chinese Non-Executive Chair, Prof ZHANG Xiaodong FGCA, CEO of Agile Think Tank and Nanjing University of Finance & Economics, China
- President: Prof Xiangqun Chang FRSA FGCA, Global China Academy, UK
- Chinese President: Prof XIE Lizhong FGCA, Peking Uinversity, China
- Vice-President (Fellowship), Prof Peter Schröder, University College London, UK
- Vice-President (Publications), Prof Julia C Strauss, SOAS, University of London, UK
- Vice-President (Asian engagement), Prof Shigeto Sonoda, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Vice-President (European engagement), Prof Carsten Herrmann-Pillath, Erfurt University, Germany
- Honorary Secretary: Ms Ingrid Cranfield, Global China Academy and Global Century Press, UK
- Treasurer: Dr Thomas Clarke, Imperial College London, UK
- Member (Events): Dr Boyi Li, The London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
- Member (Publications): Dr Qing Cao, Durham University, UK
- Member (Media): Dr Yan Wu, Swansea University, UK
Global China Academy Fellowship
Types of fellowship
- Founding Fellows and Life Fellows were granted by Global China Academy’s founding Honorary Presidents (UK and China), Presidents (UK and China), and the Board of Trustees at the founding of the Global China Academy in 2021.
- Full Fellows are distinguished scholars, academics and professionals whose expertise and knowledge provide GCA with access to the best possible advice and guidance. They also contribute to the publications of Global Century Press and the Global China Dialogue series of forums.
- Associate Fellows are typically early to mid-career scholars, academics and professionals who have demonstrated potential in their field but may not yet have the extensive accomplishments or tenure of a Full Fellow. They often collaborate on research projects, contribute to publications and may participate in dialogues or forums.
- Institutional Fellows are organizations that share our academic and social missions and support the work of Global China Academy, Global Century Press and the Global China Dialogue series forums.
Eligibility criteria
Full Fellowship
- Has made a significant contribution to advancing the understanding or promotion of studies on China and the Chinese with global or comparative perspectives in the social sciences and humanities.
- Has an established track record of participating in transcultural initiatives, fostering dialogue and engaging with the governance of global society.
- Has shown leadership, innovation and influence in the above-named fields.
- Has clearly demonstrated ethical and moral integrity that aligns with the values of the GCA.
Associate Fellowship
- Aged 21 or over, and based in the UK or overseas.
- Has demonstrated an interest in the understanding or promotion of studies on China and the Chinese with global or comparative perspectives in the social sciences and humanities through research, teaching, training, professional work, publications or other similar work.
- Has demonstrated potential in their field, although they may not yet have attained extensive accomplishments and hence are not ready for Full Fellowship.
Institutional Fellowship
- The institution shares Global China Academy’s academic and social missions.
- The institution supports the work of Global China Academy, Global Century Press and the Global China Dialogues.
How to Apply
Before submitting a proposal please download the following information from the webpage https://globalchinaacademy.org/fellow-ship-nominations:
- Guidance for Nomination
- Nomination form
- Diversity Monitoring form
More Information
Please visit www.globalchinaacademy.org/gca-fellowship for more information:
- Fellowship Lists
- Fellowship Benefits and Obligations
- Fellowship Subscriptions
- Support us
Global China Dialogue and Other events
About the Global China dialogues
The annual Global China Dialogue (GCD) forum is a core event held by Global China Academy in collaboration with various organisations. The GCD is a high-end forum that focuses on ‘transculturality’ and social creativity. Our aim is to enhance public understanding of current global affairs and common interests. We do this via public dialogue and discussion between Chinese and non-Chinese academics, political and business leaders, experts, professionals, practitioners and interested laypeople. Our approach is interdisciplinary and comparative.
Based on GCDs rules of ‘civilized dialogue’, we encourage both sides to listen to the other, understand cultural differences, respect local customs, accept different perspectives and acknowledge the common humanity. In particular, it explores new global governance, encompassing national governments, international organizations, multinational companies, NGOs and citizens, with a mission to build a harmonious, symbiosis-based human community of a shared future.
Past and future dialogues as are follows:
- 2025 GCD X: Governance for Global Education
- 2024 GCD IX: Global Governance for AI
- 2023 GCD VIII: Governance for Global Health
- 2021 GCD VII: Reforming Global Governance
- 2019 GCD VI: Governance for World Peace
- 2018 GCD V: Governance for Global Justice
- 2017 GCD IV: The Belt and Road (B&R) – Transcultural Cooperation for Shared Goals
- 2016 GCD III: Sustainability and Global Governance for Climate Change
- 2015 GCD II: Transculturality and New Global Governance
- 2014 GCD I: The Experience of China’s Modernization from a Comparative Perspective
Other events
Global China Academy organizes and participates in activities relating to China in comparative perspective and social sciences and humanities studies on China, and in activities of a different nature that chime with its academic and social missions.
- 2019 Global China Media Seminar series (2016–19, UK)
- 2018 Academic Publishing and Knowledge Service Conference
- 2018 Digital Interconnection and Intelligent Manufacturing: Social Change and Cultural Transformation in Global Society
- 2017 Chinese for Social Science (CSS) Workshop
- 2017 Globalization of Chinese Social Sciences Symposium
- 2017 Global China Media in Comparative Perspective Symposium
- 2017 Forum Series on Transcultural Cooperation and New Methodologies for Social Sciences
- 2016 Corpus Approaches to Chinese Social Science (CACSS) Workshop
- 2014 A symposium on China-British Cultural Exchange: Strategic Cooperation and Practical Implementation
- 2013 Max Weber and China conference
- 2013 How do Migrants from the BRICS Countries Participate in Shaping the Global Society?
Global Century Press
About Global Century Press
Global Century Press (GCP, formerly Global China Press, UK Company No.: 08892970), founded in 2014, is the first publisher in the world dedicated to publishing social scientific and humanities academic and popular books bilingually. GCP is the only independent platform for uncensored work on China, focusing on studies of China in global and comparative perspectives, Chinese perspectives of the world or human knowledge, and non-Chinese perspectives of China in a global context.
GCP publishes a range of publications, from academic journals, edit ed volumes, selected conference papers and theme-based articles, to research monographs, book series, teaching and learning materials on Chinese for social sciences and reference books, printed mostly in colour. Works are published in various forms, such as print, electronic versions, video, audio, on the internet and the mobile internet. A subsidiary company of the Global China Academy, GCP’s bilingual publications serve the purposes of disseminating related academic research, knowledge transfer and public education globally.
Open access journals and books
Under its open access model, GCP makes 80 percent of its journal and book content freely available to the public, promoting academic exchange and knowledge sharing. This means that readers can freely access and download certain articles or portions of the journal’s content, without any payment or subscription required. At the same time, GCP also offers a subscription model, providing readers who need it with wider access and services. Through subscription, readers can gain access to the full content of the journal, special features or additional resources, as well as other benefits exclusive to subscribers.
House Style Guide
CP House Style Guide can be downloaded in our website. It is designed to take our contributors’ work from initial manuscript to final publication with a minimum of fuss. Our style broadly follows APA 7th edition but has evolved over time through our growing experience of dual language editing and typesetting.
Dual languages
GCP is pioneering a unique approach to integrating English and Chinese in its publications. Its dual language styles and rules have been developed with both English and Chinese academics, graphic designers, editors and proofreaders. GCP applies this house style to all journals and books. GCP has DOI authorization. Any single article with a DOI number. Additional dual language information is displayed at the end of each book, a feature unique to GCP. Additional dual language information is displayed at the end of each book, a feature unique to GCP.
Publication events
Please visit GCP website for publication-related events: https://globalcenturypress.com/events.
Journals
Global Century Press (GCP) publishes three cutting edge academic journals. They are Journal of China in Global and Comparative Perspectives (English and Chinese editions), Journal of Chinese for Social Science (Chinese edition), and Journal of Corpus Approaches to Chinese Social Science (Chinese and English editions). GCP also publishes the ‘Global China Dialogue Proceeding’ series in English and Chinese editions.
- Journal of China in Global and Comparative Perspectives (JCGCP). CGCP launched in 2015 (annually), publishes original multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary comparative research on China on a range of topics in the social and human sciences. Beyond purely academic content it appeals to policymakers and general readers interested in China. Its aim is to bring out the best in scholarship, transcending traditional academic boundaries in an innovative manner.
- Journal of Chinese for social science (JCSS). JCSS formally launched in 2021 (biennially), Formally launched in 2021, JCSS scrutinizes the utilization of the Chinese language in academic contexts, emphasizing the crucial role of precise translation and the issues arising from cross-lingual research in Chinese social sciences. It minimizes risks related to translation in cross-cultural research, and enhances dialogue among various languages, cultures, and communities. JCSS’s commitment to accurate translation forms the backbone of effective intercultural communication, ensuring contextual clarity and contributing to the global exchange of social science knowledge and ideas.
- Journal of Corpus Approaches to Chinese Social Sciences (JCAC SS) launched in 2019 (annually in Chinese and English alternatively), is guided by the founding Director of the ESRC Centre for Corpus Approaches to Social Sciences at Lancaster University, Professor Tony McEnery, and supported by colleagues both domestically and abroad. It introduces innovative corpus methods to the Chinese social sciences field. It addresses challenges in this domain, offers a platform for academic exchange, and publishes pertinent research in the context of big data and the complexities of the global digital age.
- Global China dialogue Proceedings. The Global China Dialogue forums aim to enhance the understanding of current global affairs and common interests through public dialogue and discussion, using interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives. Each issue of the Global China Dialogue Proceedings includes information on the chairs and speakers, topics and abstracts, and content of speeches and Q&A sessions. It also includes photos of the panels, participants, discussions, and networking. It is hoped that this combination of images and text can preserve the dynamic dialogue for interested readers whether or not they participated in the forums.
Book sciences
GCP publishes eight book series on specific themes. They are: and stimulates genuine global dialogue between cultures.
- Chinese Concepts aims to infuse Western social science concepts with uniquely Chinese elements. By revisiting terms such as ‘bao’ (reciprocation), ‘mianzi’ (face), and ‘guanxi’ (reciprocity or deferential relationship), the series enhances the world’s knowledge system by incorporating diverse cultural insights into traditional social science disciplines.
- Chinese Discourse covers discourse studies around Chinese history, culture, current affairs, language and people. It advocates an interdisciplinary, multi-perspective, multi-method knowledge merged with Chinese culture and possessing a global outlook, which bridges the gap between China and the rest of the world and opens a window for the outside world to understand China.
- Understanding China and the World was inspired by a significant 2010 event, ‘Understanding China, Engaging with Chinese People’, commemorating the centenary of renowned sociologist Fei Xiaotong’s birth. The series delves into comprehensive understanding and rational interpretations of China and the world, echoing the multi-dimensional insights from the event.
- China and Chinese in Comparative Perspectives expands the aims of Journal of China in Global and Comparative Perspectives to include Chinese ways of thinking, Chinese people, civilization, and culture, and contrasts between China and elsewhere, Chinese people and non-Chinese people, Chinese perspectives of the world, and non-Chinese perspectives of China globally.
- Globalization of Chinese Social Sciences aims to globally promote prominent Chinese social scientific works and a century’s efforts by social scientists both inside and outside China.
- Transcultural Experiences with ‘Three Eyes’ acts as a bridge in the areas of cross-border cultural communication and mutual understanding. Authors examine their understanding of Chinese culture, non-Chinese cultures, and their specialties and sectors as professionals and practitioners. This ‘triple perspective’ describes and explains the collision and confluence between different cultures and notions they experience in their everyday lives and work in China and abroad.
- China Urbanization studies explores the delay in people’s urbanization in China, highlighting the disparity between migrant workers and urban residents. It underscores China’s commitment to addressing these issues with sustainable, people-oriented policies.
- Cutting Edge and Frontiers provides a platform for readers to explore and understand the forefront of research and development across various fields, offering insights into the most advanced social scientific topics globally.
Global China Academy signed a MOU with UCL Global Business School for Health and the Wuxi Economic Development Zone
On the occasion of the Wuxi Municipal People’s Government delegation’s visit to the UK, the Global China Academy (GCA) engaged with Wuxi and the UCL Global Business School for Health (GBSH) for collaboration. The Wuxi (London) Promotion Conference, co-organizer by China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), was held on the 9th of August 2023 at the Four Seasons Hotel. With support from UCL Global Engagement, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the three parties was signed successfully.
In the morning, Professor Xiangqun Chang, DU Yichao (Director of the Wuxi Institute of New Culture and PhD candidate at UCL, and Associate Translator at GCA), met the delegates from Wuxi’s Economic Development Zone, led by its Director, Yang Jianping, at UCL East. Professor Adam Dubis and some colleagues from GBSH provided a guided tour there. UCL East is a new campus of University College London (UCL), located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London. It represents an expansion of UCL’s academic facilities, aiming to foster interdisciplinary research, innovation, and education. The campus is designed to be a space where engineering, arts, social sciences, and other disciplines can collaborate, with a strong focus on community engagement and sustainability. UCL East is part of a larger effort to contribute to the economic, social, and environmental regeneration of East London.
Afterwards, the three parties held a meeting for exchanges. Professor Adam Dubis introduced the GBSH to the guests. He mentioned that he is an entrepreneurially minded person. The GBSH is a specialized school focusing on health-related business education and research. It offers programs and research opportunities in health management, policy, economics, and leadership within the healthcare sector. Its aim is to prepare graduates for leadership roles in global health settings, combining business acumen with an in-depth understanding of the health sector’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Director Yang Jianping introduced Wuxi’s Economic Development Zone. It is located in Jiangsu Province, China. The dynamic area focused on driving economic growth through technological innovation in sectors like IT, biotechnology, and clean energy. This emphasis not only attracts significant domestic and international investments but also supports the advancement of healthcare and medical industries, making it a pivotal area for health-related research and development. By fostering a robust environment for business and innovation, the district contributes to improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for its residents, positioning Wuxi as a key player in both economic development and health sector advancements.
In the afternoon, the GCA and UCL teams met at the Four Seasons Hotel and enjoyed two exhibitions: ‘Meet Wuxi’ Thematic Exhibition I: Urban Visual Exhibition and ‘Meet Wuxi’ Thematic Exhibition II: Wuxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition.
At the Wuxi-London Promotion Conference Professor Martin Albrow delivered speech. He emphasizes the potential for collaboration between Wuxi and London. Albrow highlights Wuxi’s rich history, cultural heritage, and economic development, positioning it as a city of global significance. He aligns Wuxi’s vision with his work on a shared human future and sees the partnership with the Global China Academy and University College London as a platform for enhancing mutual understanding and dialogue. Albrow’s speech reflects optimism for the future opportunities arising from the collaboration between China and the UK.
Dr. Michael Spence AC, President and Provost of UCL, sent a message to the collaborators of three parties (top left in the top row of the photo). He said that ‘I am very pleased to receive this update and read about the engagement on China-UK collaboration. I would like to pass on my best wishes for a highly engaging and successful meeting and I look forward to hearing more about the partnership as it develops. With best wishes.’ Professor Martin Albrow delivered a speech (top right in the top row of the photo; also, see the summary of speech notes above).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Adam Dubis, Professor of Digital Health Enterprise, Global Business School for Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, UCL (left in the second top photo); Mr. Yang Jianping, Director of the Wuxi Economic Development Zone (middle in the second top photo); and Mrs. Ingrid Cranfield, Chair of the Global China Academy Board of Trustees (right in the second top photo). The MOU involves University College London (UCL), Global China Academy (GCA), and Wuxi Economic Development District, focusing on collaborative activities in global health innovation in China and the UK. It aims to leverage each party’s strengths to foster academic and economic growth through initiatives like talent empowerment, education, joint organization of events like the Global China Dialogue, and support for advantageous industries in Wuxi. The MOU outlines responsibilities, confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and procedures for amendments and termination, emphasizing cooperation and mutual benefit.
The group photo on the left, in the third row, includes Sir Charles Bowman (5th from the left), Senior Partner & Chairman of the China Business Group (CBBC); DU Xiaogang (5th from the right); Professor Martin Albrow (4th from the right); Professor Adam Dubis (3rd from the right); Professor Xiangqun Chang (2nd from the right); and Ingrid Cranfield (1st from the right). The group photo on the right features the GCA and UCL teams and includes, from left to right, Dr Kejun Guo, DU Yichao, Ingrid Cranfield, Professor Martin Albrow, Professor Xiangqun Chang, Professor Adam Dubis, Dr Marzena Nieroda, Dr Ruijia Zhan, Dr Paul Expert, and Dr Yuxi Zhang. The photos in the bottom row, from left to right, show GCA colleagues with UK based Chinese professional and entrepreneurs.
In the thank you letter dated 29th August, Du Xiaogang, Secretary of the Wuxi Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, expresses gratitude to Professor Martin Albrow for his support of Wuxi’s development. It highlights the successful visit of the Wuxi Economic and Trade Delegation to the UK, where Professor Albrow’s participation and speech at the Wuxi-London Promotion Conference set a positive tone for the outcomes of the visit. The letter acknowledges the Global China Academy’s role in fostering Sino-British relations and invites further collaboration and visits to Wuxi to deepen mutual understanding and development.
- Click here to view the photo report of the 8th Global China Dialogue, from which PPTs or speech notes can be downloaded.
- Click here to view the photo report of the Global China Academy’s 10th-anniversary celebration, from which speech notes can be downloaded.
- Click here to visit the GCD 8 Website.
- Click here to visit the GCA News section.
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.
Click here to visit the GCA news & blog section.
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.
- Click here to view Global China Academy’s President Professor Xiangqun Chang’s Academic Activities in Beijing, 18-20 April 2023
- Click here to view Global China Academy’s President Professor Xiangqun Chang’s Academic Activities in Xiamen, Wuhan and Tianjin, 4-11 April 2023
- Click here to see the GCA Centre’s facilities: Driveway, Garden, Function Rooms, Libraries, Dining Area, Bedrooms, and more.
- Click here to explore the 5 ‘walk and talk’ routes, including tea and lunch. The PDF file can be downloaded.
- Click here to reach us including details on how to visit us.
- Click here to visit the GCA news section.
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
- Click here to view Global China Academy’s President Professor Xiangqun Chang’s Academic Activities in Xiamen, Wuhan and Tianjin, 4th-11th April 2023
- Click here to view Social Mission Activities and Reflection of GCA President Xiangqun Chang in China, April 2023
- Click here to see the GCA Centre’s facilities: Driveway, Garden, Function Rooms, Libraries, Dining Area, Bedrooms, and more.
- Click here to explore the 5 ‘walk and talk’ routes, including tea and lunch. The PDF file can be downloaded.
- Click here to reach us including details on how to visit us.
- Click here to visit the GCA news section.