Peking University, November 29, 2022: This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. Between November 10 and 11, the Confucius Institute of the Free University of Berlin (FUB) held the 50th Anniversary of China-German Relations seminar, co-organised by the Center for International Higher Education of Peking University (PKU-CIHE), the Free University of Berlin, and the University of Duisburg-Essen (Uni-DUE). A total of 32 academics from various colleges and universities attended the seminar both offline and online, presenting their views on the political, economic, cultural and legal aspects of China-German relations. 40 attendees also gathered at FUB to discuss their views and raise questions. 

FUB Professor Mechthild Leutner, PKU Professor Chen Hongjie and Uni-DUE Professor Nele Noesselt gave opening addresses. They welcomed attendees on behalf of the organising committee, thanked the various parties for contributing to the planning and successful organisation of the seminar and also emphasized the significance of the 50th anniversary of China-German diplomatic relations.

FUB Associate Dean, Professor Verena Blechinger-Talcott also delivered a speech at the seminar. She noted that despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, the successful holding of this seminar is a testament to the close partnership of China and Germany in the economic, political and cultural fields. She spoke highly of PKU and FUB’s strategic partnership and commended the academic exchange and student exchange programs  between the two schools, particularly expressing her hopes for further partnership in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development.

With the rapid global changes of our time, the 50th Anniversary of China-German Relations topical series have allowed for breadth and depth of discussion, while remaining closely linked to issues related to China-German ties. The COVID-19 pandemic and global turmoil have introduced uncertainties to China-German relations and global cooperation. The 50th Anniversary of China-German Relations academic seminar serves as a positive voice in the development of China-German relations, bringing forth new perspectives and takeaways for how China and Germany should overcome the dual challenges of global crises and protectionism.

Written by: Glenda Ho
Edited by: Li Wanqi
Source: PKU News (Chinese)