On November 16–17, 2024, the Third Enlarged Meeting of the Fifth Council of the Alumni Association of the School of International Studies (SIS), Peking University (PKU) was successfully held in Haikou, Hainan Province. Attendees included Prof. Tang Shiqi (Dean of SIS, PKU), Prof. Zhu Yibo (Vice Dean of SIS, PKU), Prof. Wang Zhengyi (Chair of the Academic Committee, Changjiang Scholar Distinguished Professor appointed by the Ministry of Education), Prof. Wang Dong (Professor at SIS, PKU; Executive Director of the Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding, PKU), leaders of the Alumni Association, and more than 30 alumni representatives from home and abroad. The event was hosted by the China Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD), with Prof. Zhu Yibo presiding over the meeting.

Dean Tang Shiqi presenting a gift to President Chi Fulin

Prof. Chi Fulin (President of CIRD) warmly congratulated the successful convening of the meeting and extended a heartfelt welcome to alumni representatives. He recalled his study experience in the Department of Political Science, PKU, and the strong tradition of humanistic care that deeply influenced his career and life. Over the past 33 years, CIRD has been committed to policy research and reform advocacy, striving to become a leading reform think tank in China, integrating ideals, goals, pursuits, and responsibilities into the great practice of reform and opening up.

Meeting session

In his speech, Dean Tang Shiqi provided a detailed introduction to the recent progress of SIS in academic development, talent cultivation, scientific research, international exchange, and administrative management. He emphasized that in recent years the School has taken a leading role in the first-level discipline of National Security Studies, with a training philosophy featuring interdisciplinarity, cross-cutting approaches, and internationalization, cultivating innovative talents with a global vision and Chinese commitment. He also highlighted significant academic achievements, growing policy consultation contributions, and expanding international joint programs such as “Campus Asia” and “China-Japan-Korea+X” cooperation. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for alumni support and called for continued joint efforts in fostering shared growth and mutual assistance.

To promote effective exchange, alumni discussed key issues such as support for alumni careers, the SIS community development plan, the re-election of the Alumni Council, disciplinary development, and student recruitment, yielding fruitful results.

Alumnus Cai Wu (Former Minister of Culture of the People’s Republic of China) remarked that since its establishment, the Alumni Association of SIS has become a united, pragmatic, and democratic body. It not only serves as a spiritual home that connects alumni, but also as a platform for academic exchange and for pooling alumni strength to support the School’s development. He pointed out that the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, once again placing us at a historical crossroads. Looking ahead to the upcoming council re-election and the 30th anniversary of SIS, he encouraged more young alumni to participate, to build diverse platforms, and to strengthen regional and international alumni associations. This, he emphasized, will contribute to the School’s growth, PKU’s “Double First-Class” development, and the nation’s strategic needs.

During the meeting, three high-level academic lectures were delivered: Prof. Wang Zhengyi on “China’s Rise to the Core: Structural Crisis of the World System and Transformation Trends”; Prof. Chi Fulin on “People-Centered Urbanization: A Fundamental Solution to Insufficient Aggregate Demand”; and Prof. Wang Dong on “U.S. Policy toward China and China-U.S. Relations amid Profound Global Changes”.

Lecture by Prof. Wang Zhengyi

Lecture by Prof. Chi Fulin

Lecture by Prof. Wang Dong

The Third Enlarged Meeting of the Fifth Council of the Alumni Association of SIS, PKU concluded successfully.

Over two days, alumni from across the world gathered in Haikou to share insights and contribute ideas for the upcoming council re-election and the 30th anniversary celebration of SIS. With steadfast commitment and collective wisdom, SIS will continue to build our shared spiritual home, providing enduring strength for alumni, and warmly welcomes everyone to “come home often.”

Group photo

Written by: Gao Jingwen
Photo by: China Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD)
Edited by: Zhang Xinyang