On August 30, 2024, the “Peking University-Jilin University Northeast Asia Forum (2024),” jointly organized by the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies of Peking University and the Northeast Asian Studies College of Jilin University, was held at the School of International Studies at Peking University. The forum focused on “Changes in Great Power Relations and the Situation in Northeast Asia.” Twenty scholars from the School of International Studies, School of Economics, School of Foreign Languages, Department of History of Peking University, and the Northeast Asian Studies College of Jilin University engaged in academic exchanges and discussions on three themes: “Great Power Relations and Their Transformations,” “Northeast Asia under the Changing Great Power Relations,” and “Interstate Relations and Economic Cooperation in Northeast Asia.” The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Li Hanmei, Dean of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at Peking University. Professor Zhang Haibin, Vice Dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University, and Professor Zhang Huizhi, Deputy Director of the Northeast Asian Research Center of Jilin University, delivered opening remarks. Professor Zhang Haibin noted that area and country studies is a top priority in Peking University’s new round of “Double First-Class” discipline construction. The PKU-JLU Northeast Asia Forum provides scholars from both universities with opportunities for multidimensional, interdisciplinary, and cutting-edge research in this important field. He emphasized that, amid an increasingly complex international situation, holding this forum is of great significance. He also welcomed the scholars from Jilin University and wished the forum great success.
Speech by Professor Zhang Haibin
Professor Zhang Huizhi noted that the PKU-JLU Northeast Asia Forum has a 15-year history since 2009. Evolving from initial discussions on the Korean Peninsula issues to today’s focus on new trends in great power competition, the forum has provided an important academic platform for scholars studying regional situations. She expressed gratitude to the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies of Peking University for hosting this year's forum and expressed expectations for future cooperation between the two sides.
Speech by Professor Zhang Huizhi
Session I was chaired by Professor Zhang Xiaoming, Vice Dean of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies and Professor at the School of International Studies of Peking University. Professors Song Chengyou (Department of History, Peking University), Jing Jing (Northeast Asian Studies College, Jilin University), Gui Yongtao (School of International Studies, Peking University), and Tao Tao (School of Economics, Peking University) delivered presentations respectively on: the “Tripartite Structure” perspective on observing multilateral relations in East Asia, spatial logic and competitiveness formation in great power relations, the reality and illusion of “decoupling,” and challenges and responses in China’s semiconductor technology governance under great power competition. Their presentations analyzed different dimensions of great power relations and competition, illustrating how regional order reconstruction is reflected in Northeast Asia. Commentary and discussion were led by Professor Xu Bo (Northeast Asian Studies College of Jilin University), Professor Yu Tiejun (School of International Studies, Peking University), and Professor Li Tingting (School of Foreign Languages, Peking University).
Speeches by participating scholars
Scholarly commentary and discussion
Session II was chaired by Professor Li Hanmei, Dean of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies and Professor at the School of International Studies of Peking University. Professor Li Tianzi (Northeast Asian Studies College of Jilin University), Professor Xu Bo (Northeast Asian Studies College of Jilin University), Professor Wang Hao (School of Foreign Languages, Peking University), and Professor Wang Xiaoke (Northeast Asian Studies College of Jilin University) presented respectively on: Russia’s measures and effects in responding to economic sanctions under the digital economy, the transformation logic of Russia’s Arctic policy under the Russia–Ukraine conflict, the characteristics of Mongolia’s 2024 parliamentary elections and foreign policy orientation, and China’s strategic considerations in its Korea policy under China–U.S. competition. The session discussed policy choices of Northeast Asian countries amid drastic changes in great power relations, highlighting the interaction between domestic politics and foreign policy of each country. Commentary and discussion were led by Professor Zhang Xiaoming (Peking University), Professor Zhang Huizhi (Jilin University), and Professor Guan Guihai (Peking University).
Speeches by participating scholars
Scholarly commentary and discussion
Session III was chaired by Professor Zhang Huizhi, Deputy Director of the Northeast Asian Research Center of Jilin University. Xuan Chunji (Northeast Asian Studies College of Jilin University), Ding Dou (School of International Studies, Peking University), Jin Xiangdan (Northeast Asian Studies College of Jilin University), and Dai Weijing (School of International Studies, Peking University) presented respectively on: trends and prospects of DPRK–Russia economic cooperation since the Russia–Ukraine conflict, reversal of China–ROK trade balance and structural changes in bilateral trade, supply chain adjustments in China-Japan-ROK cooperation, and new changes in DPRK–Russia relations from historical and comparative perspectives. They discussed evolving regional relationships under new circumstances and explored future directions of economic cooperation. Commentary and discussion were led by Professor Li Tianzi and Professor Wang Xiaoke (Northeast Asian Studies College of Jilin University) and Professor Song Wenzhi (School of Foreign Languages, Peking University).
Speeches by participating scholars
Scholarly commentary and discussion
The closing ceremony was chaired by Professor Zhang Xiaoming, Vice Dean of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies of Peking University. Professor Zhang Huizhi of Jilin University and Professor Li Hanmei of Peking University delivered closing remarks. They highly praised the forum, noting that the situation in Northeast Asia is changing rapidly and that the forum provided scholars with valuable opportunities to observe new developments, exchange information, and discuss new findings. Finally, Professor Li Hanmei expressed gratitude to all participating scholars and expressed her sincere expectation of meeting again at Jilin University next year. The 2024 PKU–JLU Northeast Asia Forum thus concluded successfully.
Summary remarks by Professor Zhang Huizhi
Summary remarks by Professor Li Hanmei
Group photo of participating scholars
Conference venue
