On March 28, IIAS and the Center for Afghanistan Studies at Taiyuan University of Technology jointly hosted a symposium on Afghanistan studies from an area studies perspective, along with the launch of the journal Afghanistan Studies. The event was held at Tsinghua University.

Xiang Botao, Executive Deputy Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee, Yang Xiaowei, Vice President of Taiyuan University of Technology, and Zhang Yujing, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Shanxi Provincial Committee, attended the symposium and delivered remarks.

Xiang Botao noted that the launch of Afghanistan Studies holds both academic and practical significance for advancing research in area studies. He emphasised that Tsinghua University will continue to build on its strong foundations and interdisciplinary strengths in South Asia, Central Asia, West Asia, and North Africa studies, and work with partner institutions to further develop an independent knowledge system for area studies.

Zhang Yujing and Yang Xiaowei highlighted Shanxi Province’s unique geographical perspective in conducting Afghanistan research, and expressed the hope of building a distinctive inland hub for international academic exchange and communication with regional characteristics.

In the keynote session, Jiang Jingkui, Dean of IIAS, stated that area studies is “a field of study grounded in regions”, and should adhere to a threefold approach: a China-based perspective, a global outlook, and an understanding of the perspectives of other countries. He emphasised the importance of constructing a comprehensive knowledge system with both intellectual autonomy and explanatory power. Mu Zhiqun, Chair of the Editorial Board of Afghanistan Studies, elaborated on the strategic and systemic dimensions of area studies, noting that long-term field research is essential for developing concepts and theories that accurately reflect local realities.

More than 40 experts and scholars from across China participated in the seminar, including representatives from Ningxia University, the editorial offices of International Security Studies, Asia-Pacific Security and Maritime Affairs, and other institutions such as the Development Research Center of the State Council, the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Discussions focused on area studies research and academic journal development.

Attendees at the Symposium

Source: Tsinghua News, April 9