Distinguished Professor Yuan Ming, Vice President Xiaobo, dear alumni, esteemed guests, faculty members, and students,

Good morning, everyone!

On this vibrant and thriving day, we gather at Yan Yuan to solemnly hold the 2026 Peking University Symposium of International Relations in the Eyes of SIS Alumni. On behalf of the School of International Studies at Peking University, I extend our warmest welcome to the alumni returning from all directions, as well as to our colleagues and students attending this symposium. I also express our sincerest gratitude to friends from all walks of life who have consistently shown great concern and strong support for the development of our School.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of the School of International Studies at Peking University. “At thirty, one stands firm.” The Symposium of International Relations in the Eyes of SIS Alumni is an important part of the series of events celebrating this anniversary. In a sense, it is also a presentation and tribute by our School to Peking University, to the academic community, and to society at large, showcasing our achievements in academic research and education.

Teaching and nurturing talent is the very foundation of any academic institution. Over the past three decades since the establishment of our School, we have not only developed a relatively comprehensive teaching and disciplinary system but have also consistently upheld the spirit of Peking University: “patriotism, progress, democracy, and science.” Rooted in moral education and driven by academic innovation, we have cultivated a large number of outstanding talents who possess both a global vision and a deep affinity for China. They stand at the forefront of the times, working tirelessly and making remarkable contributions in fields such as global governance, diplomatic practice, and academic research, fully embodying the spirit of SIS scholars. Today’s distinguished speakers, who come from nearly 20 universities and research institutions, are all alumni and esteemed teachers of our School. These scholars have long dedicated themselves to the study of political science and international studies, exerting significant influence in their respective fields. Their presence and the presentation of their most representative academic viewpoints at this symposium are a testament to the achievements of SIS in talent cultivation. They also vividly illustrate the passing of the academic torch and the enduring spirit of international studies scholarship at our School. I believe this will be an academic feast that will leave a deep impression on all attendees.

The past 30 years have not only seen the continuous growth of SIS, but have also witnessed the maturation and scaling of China’s international studies. Compared with 30 years ago, we now have greater confidence and poise to help our country face future challenges. On the other hand, looking back at ourselves 30 years ago, we may have been overly optimistic about the future of the world. Today, as we see, the world remains torn, full of conflicts and contradictions, and still shrouded in the dark clouds of war. In the face of such a world, everyone committed to the cause of human peace and development deeply feels that the recognition, distribution, and balancing of social interests, the adjustment of international relations, and the construction of international mechanisms will likely require profound transformation. And all of this depends on a reconstruction—even a revolution—of human psychology, culture, spirituality, morality, and values. Each of us still has a long and arduous journey ahead.

In this sense, this symposium is both a review of our history and the opening of a new chapter for the future. Our School will take the occasion of this symposium and the 30th-anniversary celebrations as an opportunity to further uphold fundamental principles while breaking new ground, to keep pace with the times, to face the future and the wider world, and to develop Chinese theories grounded in Chinese practice. We aim to cultivate more and better international talents, responding with the wisdom of SIS and the wisdom of China to the pressing questions of the world and the era.

Dear alumni and colleagues, let us use this symposium to review together the brilliant journey we have traveled and to jointly create a better future. May the academic traditions of SIS continue to shine ever brighter. May the discipline of international studies flourish and thrive endlessly. I also hope that the students of SIS and all other young scholars here today will take every outstanding alumnus and teacher as a role model. “Learn widely, question thoroughly, think carefully, discern clearly, and practice earnestly.” Embrace a global outlook, seek truth and understanding, grow into capable and virtuous individuals, apply your knowledge to serve society, and contribute to a brighter future for the Chinese nation and all of humanity.

Finally, I wish this symposium a complete success! May all alumni and guests enjoy a fulfilling and pleasant time at Yan Yuan. I wish everyone good health and all the best!

Thank you all!

May 5, 2026 

Source: SIS News (Chinese)