On May 12, 2020, Wang Xiqin, Executive Vice President of Tsinghua University, visited the Institute for International and Area Studies (IIAS) for research. On the afternoon of May 12, 2020, Wang Xiqin, Executive Vice President, visited the Institute for International and Area Studies (IIAS) for research. The heads of the Graduate School, Liberal Arts Department, International Department, Personnel Department, Financial Department, Assets Department, Cultural Office and other departments were present and Zhang Jing, Deputy Dean of IIAS, presided over the workshop.

After listening to the overall situation report of IIAS and the speeches of the faculty representatives, Mr. Wang affirmed the development of IIAS in recent years. He pointed out that the farther you go, the more you must stick to your original intention. “Studies” is the key word in university area studies and it is essential to remain “student-oriented, scholar-first, academic-based and ethics-focused”. Meanwhile, the “big picture” is also critical and it’s necessary to establish a “big vision”, build a “big picture”, solve “big problems” and delve into “big knowledge”. It is important step out of the Chinese-Western structure, look to the south and contribute to a community of shared future for mankind. Regarding the next stage of development, Mr. Wang hoped that IIAS would not only focus on disciplines, but also transcend disciplines, starting from the physical connection between society and economy, and finding out the essence and real laws of area studies and talent training under the surface. Since the “14th Five-Year Plan” of the University was about to start, it was hoped that IIAS would start early and incorporate the development of the Institute into the overall development strategy of the University.

Yang Guang, Dean of IIAS, Zhang Jing, Deputy Dean, and Prof. Zhao Jinsong reported on the development of IIAS and the challenges it faced. Representatives of young scholars also introduced their personal academic growth and research ideas. The department heads gave stringent responses to related issues raised by IIAS and expressed that they would continue to vigorously support the construction of the Institute.