Group 1 - The second World Sinology Conference was held in Shanghai from October 13 to 15, focusing on the theme "Historical China and Contemporary China from a Global Perspective" with five parallel forums addressing various topics related to China's development and its global narrative [1] - Chen Bo, a senior researcher from the National University of Singapore, emphasized the importance of constructing a narrative logic and space for Sinology to effectively respond to global criticisms such as "China's impact" and "overcapacity" [3][4] - Chen highlighted that the narrative surrounding China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry is often misrepresented in the West, where claims of overcapacity are intertwined with strategic anxieties and economic interests, lacking a comprehensive perspective [3][4] Group 2 - Chen pointed out that the NEV industry in China is a burgeoning sector with significant potential, and while challenges exist, they are not solely due to subsidies or policies as perceived by Western countries [4] - The Chinese market has a natural alignment with NEVs due to the urgent need for pollution control and China's proactive stance on green emissions reduction [4] - Chen argued that the so-called "major overcapacity" is a result of trade protectionism distorting demand rather than an inherent issue with China's production capabilities [4] Group 3 - The narrative of Sinology is evolving from merely informing the world about China to convincing the international community of China's development story, with economics playing a crucial role in this process [5][6] - Chen shared his academic journey, noting that the early skepticism regarding data availability and reliability in Chinese studies has shifted, particularly in the field of international trade, which has achieved a high level of internationalization [5][6] - The necessity for China's narrative to be grounded in solid arguments that comply with international norms and can withstand cross-validation is emphasized as a macro truth [6] Group 4 - Following the US-China trade war, trade with regions outside the US has increased for China, indicating a shift in trade dynamics where indirect trade through third parties like ASEAN has become significant [7] - The rise in exports from China to ASEAN and the corresponding increase in ASEAN's exports to the US suggest that regional cooperation in East Asia is acting as a stabilizer for US-China trade relations [7] - Historical patterns validate that regional cooperation can be a viable path during periods of globalization setbacks, as long as it meets the criteria of openness and non-discrimination [7][8] Group 5 - In the face of pessimistic views on globalization, China is actively engaging in pragmatic regional actions to prepare for a healthier and more inclusive future of globalization, which is a key narrative goal of contemporary Sinology [8]

Core Insights - The conference emphasized the importance of connecting historical and contemporary China, as well as integrating theory and practice in the study of Chinese civilization [2][3][4] - The "Shanghai Initiative" was introduced to promote the development of world Chinese studies, encouraging scholars to explore China's historical heritage and contemporary issues [6][7] Group 1: Historical and Contemporary China - The concept of "integration" was frequently mentioned, highlighting the need to connect historical China with contemporary China and to view China from both internal and external perspectives [2][3] - Scholars emphasized that understanding Chinese modernization requires recognizing its historical continuity and philosophical coherence, countering the fragmented view often held by Western scholars [4] Group 2: Global Significance of Chinese Studies - The conference participants acknowledged the growing global interest in Chinese studies, which has evolved from a focus on China itself to a broader understanding of China's role in the world [2][6] - The development of Chinese studies is seen as a reflection of China's active integration into the global development landscape and its contribution to a new form of human civilization [6][7] Group 3: Future Directions and Initiatives - The "Shanghai Initiative" aims to enhance cultural confidence and encourage the study of significant theoretical and practical issues in contemporary China, while also supporting the growth of young scholars [6][7] - The conference highlighted the role of dialogue and exchange in fostering knowledge and understanding, positioning Chinese studies as a vital component of global scholarship [7]

Core Viewpoint - The second World Chinese Studies Conference emphasizes the importance of understanding Chinese civilization as a unified entity and aims to enhance academic exchanges and cultural dialogue between China and the world [1][2]. Group 1: Conference Overview - The conference is themed "Historical China and Contemporary China from a Global Perspective" and is organized by the State Council Information Office and the Shanghai Municipal Government, with participation from over 500 guests from more than 50 countries and regions [2]. - Key figures in attendance include Li Shulei, Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Chen Jining, Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee [1]. Group 2: Key Messages - Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter highlights that "Chinese Studies is the study of historical China as well as contemporary China," providing significant guidance for promoting academic exchanges and civilizational dialogue [1]. - The conference calls for a global perspective while rooted in Chinese practices, aiming to refine the knowledge system of Chinese studies and to interpret China academically [1]. - Participants stress the need to explain the path of Chinese modernization clearly to the world, presenting a real, three-dimensional, and comprehensive view of China [1].

Core Insights - The Second World Sinology Conference in Shanghai gathered around 500 scholars to discuss "Historical China and Contemporary China from a Global Perspective," highlighting the increasing global interest in Chinese studies [1][2] - The conference emphasized the importance of understanding Chinese civilization as a unified entity and the need for deeper academic exchanges to explain China's development and governance models to the world [2][5] Group 1: Global Interest in Chinese Studies - The global focus on China is intensifying, with the conference serving as a platform for promoting academic dialogue and cultural exchange [2][5] - Scholars noted that the study of Chinese civilization is becoming one of the most significant academic fields globally, reflecting China's growing role in the international landscape [5][6] Group 2: China's Development Model - The conference discussions highlighted how China's development path and governance philosophy offer valuable lessons for Global South countries, challenging the dominance of Western models [8][9] - Scholars from various regions emphasized that China's approach to modernization, which integrates cultural confidence with development, provides an alternative perspective for developing nations [8][9] Group 3: Civilizational Dialogue - The concept of "civilizational dialogue" was underscored as a traditional aspect of Chinese civilization and a contemporary principle, aiming to foster mutual understanding among different cultures [1][2] - The conference's Shanghai Initiative called for a broader understanding of China's development within the context of human civilization, promoting cooperation and knowledge sharing [9]

Group 1 - The core focus of China Studies is to create a reasonable and internationally persuasive narrative logic, which is a key research priority [1][4] - China Studies differs from Sinology by concentrating on contemporary aspects of China, including politics, economy, and society, rather than solely on ancient history and culture [1][2] - The interdisciplinary nature of China Studies allows for a comprehensive approach to understanding modern China [1][4] Group 2 - The interest in ancient Chinese principles, such as those emphasized by Laozi, is seen as relevant for contemporary conflict resolution, suggesting a need for broader learning in leadership [2] - Argentina's growing engagement with China is highlighted by the establishment of China Studies programs, reflecting China's role as a major trade partner and investor [2] - The increasing number of students pursuing graduate studies in China Studies in Argentina indicates a rising interest in understanding contemporary Chinese society and politics [2] Group 3 - The disruptive nature of the new energy vehicle industry is noted, with its potential to impact traditional industries due to non-synchronous global innovation [5] - The narrative surrounding China's new energy vehicles is often framed as a "Chinese shock" or unfair competition, which some countries are beginning to question [5] - A call for a more fact-based and logical narrative is emphasized, suggesting that effective storytelling is essential for the global expansion of Chinese innovative products [5]

Group 1 - The second World Chinese Studies Conference opened in Shanghai on October 14, focusing on "Historical China and Contemporary China from a Global Perspective" [1] - Approximately 500 guests from over 50 countries and regions attended the conference, which was co-hosted by various Chinese governmental and academic institutions [1] - The conference emphasized the need to understand Chinese civilization as an organic whole and to explain China's modernization path to the world [1][3] Group 2 - Timothy Baycroft, a professor from East China Normal University, expressed his fascination with the historical materials on Sino-Western cultural exchanges presented at the conference [1][3] - Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi highlighted the importance of cooperation in the current trend of de-globalization, particularly between China and Europe [3] - Russian sinologist Inokentiy Akhtamov noted the rapid development of Sino-Russian cooperation in higher education, emphasizing the need for deeper understanding of China [3] Group 3 - Chen Shihui, deputy director of the Chinese Research Institute at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted the increasing interest among Vietnamese youth in Chinese culture, facilitated by the internet [4] - Chen Shihui is focused on researching the Chinese cultural industry and has been impressed by cultural symbols like "Black Myth: Wukong" and "Nezha" [4] - Both China and Vietnam are keen on integrating traditional culture and values into contemporary life [4]

Core Viewpoint - The integration of economics into the development of Chinese Studies can significantly enhance the discipline, leveraging China's economic success as a model for developing countries and the world [1] Group 1: Economic Success and Chinese Studies - Chinese Studies is a broad and comprehensive yet relatively new discipline, where economics can play a crucial role in its development [1] - China's rise as the world's second-largest economy and largest trading nation provides a successful case study that can be referenced by developing countries globally [1] Group 2: Regional Economic Initiatives - The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and the Belt and Road Initiative are generating significant positive spillover effects in Southeast Asia [1] - In the context of complex international economic and trade conditions, China's collaborative approach through industrial chain cooperation demonstrates that its rise is a boon rather than a threat to the world [1]

Core Viewpoint - The second World Chinese Studies Conference emphasizes the importance of understanding Chinese civilization as a unified entity and aims to enhance academic exchanges and cultural dialogue between China and the world [1][2] Group 1: Conference Overview - The conference is themed "Historical China and Contemporary China from a Global Perspective" and is co-hosted by the State Council Information Office and the Shanghai Municipal Government, with support from various cultural and academic institutions [2] - Approximately 500 guests from over 50 countries and regions attended the conference [2] Group 2: Key Messages from Leaders - Xi Jinping's congratulatory message highlights that Chinese studies encompass both historical and contemporary aspects, providing significant guidance for international academic exchanges [1] - The conference calls for a global perspective while grounding research in Chinese practices, aiming to refine the knowledge system of Chinese studies [1] Group 3: Goals and Initiatives - Participants stress the need to interpret Chinese modernization and present a comprehensive, realistic view of China to the world [1] - The conference promotes the Global Civilization Initiative, encouraging the role of Chinese studies in facilitating cultural exchanges and mutual learning [1]

Core Points - The Second World Sinology Conference will be held from October 13 to 15 in Shanghai, focusing on "Historical China and Contemporary China from a Global Perspective" [1] - Approximately 500 renowned experts and scholars from home and abroad will participate in discussions around the conference theme [1] Group 1: Conference Structure - The conference will include a main forum and five parallel sub-forums [1] - The topics of the five sub-forums are: "Viewing China from the World: Continuity and Innovation of Civilization," "Theoretical Analysis and Empirical Insights of Chinese Modernization," "Knowledge System of World Sinology from a Multidisciplinary Perspective," "Opportunities and Challenges of World Sinology in the Digital Age," and "Youth and the Future of World Sinology" [1] Group 2: Objectives and Activities - The conference aims to deepen the exchange of ideas regarding the continuity and innovation of Chinese civilization and explore the civilizational connotations, empirical insights, and global significance of the Chinese path [1] - A World Sinology Development Initiative will be announced, along with a recommended bibliography for World Sinology research [1] - Accompanying activities will include an exhibition titled "From Civilized Cities to Urban Civilization" and a cultural historical investigation of Shanghai [1] Group 3: Organizers and Support - The conference is organized by the State Council Information Office and the Shanghai Municipal Government, with support from various academic institutions [1]

Core Viewpoint - The importance of Sinology is increasingly highlighted as China's international influence grows, emphasizing the need for cross-cultural dialogue in the study of Chinese civilization [1][2]. Group 1: Resilience of Chinese Civilization - One key reason for the enduring nature of Chinese civilization is its writing system, particularly the complexity and difficulty of Chinese characters, which provide a shared context and identity across time and space [3]. - The resilience of Chinese civilization is reflected not only in the continuity of institutions and ideas but also in its ability to transform failures into new beginnings, such as the establishment of granaries to recover from disasters and the civil service examination system that provided a replicable model for governance [5][6]. Group 2: Chinese Thought and Global Issues - Chinese philosophy offers alternative perspectives on global challenges like climate change, viewing environmental changes not as sources of despair but as opportunities for adaptation and prosperity, emphasizing concepts like "harmony between heaven and humanity" [8]. Group 3: Current Trends in Sinology - The center of Sinology research has shifted to China, with high-quality academic output emerging from the Chinese academic community, while interest in Sinology in Europe and the U.S. is declining due to a lack of resources and support for humanities disciplines [8][9]. - The real challenge for Sinology lies in creating conditions for both local and foreign voices to coexist and complement each other, ensuring that rigorous research can have a global impact [11].