The inauguration and first general assembly of the Fujian Provincial Society of Area Studies was held on Apr 11 at the Xiamen Campus of Huaqiao University (HQU). Following counterparts in Shanghai and Zhejiang Province, it is the third provincial-level society of its kind established in China. The launch represents a key strategic move by Fujian Province to align with national development goals, leverage its deep historical ties to overseas Chinese communities, capitalize on its geographical advantages in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Southeast Asia, and advance Fujian’s vision for a robust social sciences sector.
Zhang Yan, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, Head of the Publicity Department, and Chairman of the Fujian Federation of Social Science Circles (FJFSSC), attended and addressed the conference. Also present were Xiao Huaxin, Deputy Director of the United Front Work Department of Fujian and Director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Fujian Provincial Government; Wei Chang, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and full-time Vice Chairwoman of the FJFSSC; Chen Shihai, Chairman of the Fujian Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese; Chen Hongyao, Deputy Secretary of Education Working Committee of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and Deputy Director of the Fujian Provincial Department of Education; Guo Guoyun, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Xiamen Municipal Committee and Head of the Xiamen Municipal Department of Publicity; Chen Junyong, Chairwoman of the Xiamen Municipal Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese; Xu Xipeng, Party Secretary of HQU; and Wu Jianping, HQU President. Distinguished experts included Qian Chengdan of Peking University and Yang Jiemian of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies. Also in attendance were Jiang Feng, President of the Shanghai Society of Area Studies; Guo Huawei, President of the Zhejiang Provincial Society of Area Studies; and over 120 members of the newly founded society.
As highlighted at the event, Area Studies is an emerging interdisciplinary field that plays a vital role in cultivating top-tier talent for international affairs and global governance. It is essential for deepening international expertise, promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and elevating China’s voice and influence on the global stage. The Recommendations of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee called for strengthening regional and country studies to improve the country’s capacity for engaging in international communication. Driven by these objectives, Fujian Province has effectively integrated its relevant research resources to establish its own society for Area Studies.
At the assembly, participants reviewed and approved the draft by laws of the Fujian Provincial Society of Area Studies and elected its inaugural Council and Board of Supervisors. Wu Xiao’an, Chair Professor and Dean of HQU Research Institute of Global Chinese and Area Studies (RIGCAS), was elected as the society’s first president. Joining him in leadership are Li Li, Sun Jiandang, and Zhang Haiyan as vice president, Wang Jianhong as secretary-general, and Wei Xiuhua as chair of the Board of Supervisors.
Following the general assembly, the Research Institute of Global Chinese and Area Studies at Huaqiao University organized a seminar on the theme “Interdisciplinary Innovation and Integration.” Several renowned scholars delivered keynote speeches, including Qian Chengdan, Yang Jiemian, Chen Heng, Jiang Feng, Luo Lin, Wu Hao, Su Yingying, and Liu Zhiqiang. They offered valuable insights and professional advice for the development of the discipline and the newly established society.
The event received widespread coverage from both central and local media outlets, including People’s Daily, Xinhua News Agency, Guangming Daily, China News Service, Fujian Daily, Fujian Media Group, Xiamen Daily, Xiamen Media Group, and Quanzhou Evening News.
Inauguration of the Society
(Editor: Wei Linying)
