On December 6, 2025, the International Symposium on New Trends in East Asian Regional Cooperation and China-ROK Economic Cooperation was successfully held in the No.1 Conference Room of Kuang Yaming Building, Jilin University. Co-hosted by the Northeast Asian Research Center, the School of Northeast Asian Studies, the Institute of Korean Studies of Jilin University and the Graduate School of International Area Studies of Kyung Hee University, the opening ceremony of the symposium was presided over by Professor Wang Xiaoke, Deputy Director of the Institute of Korean Studies, Jilin University. Professor Zhang Huizhi, Deputy Director of the Northeast Asian Research Center of Jilin University, and Professor Kim Junyeop, Dean of the Graduate School of International Area Studies of Kyung Hee University, delivered opening remarks respectively.
Professor Zhang Huizhi extended a warm welcome to all Korean scholars. She pointed out that amid profound shifts in the global landscape, the pragmatic diplomacy based on national interests put forward by South Korea’s new administration has created new opportunities for China-ROK relations. The bilateral summit between the two state leaders and the signing of relevant cooperation agreements during this year’s APEC Summit have injected strong momentum into China-ROK economic ties. She also stressed that China-ROK cooperation carries great significance for peace and stability in Northeast Asia.
In his address, Professor Kim Junyeop expressed gratitude to Jilin University for the invitation. He stated that scholars from both sides have accumulated abundant valuable academic insights in the field of economic cooperation. China’s vast market potential complements South Korea’s industrial strengths, and practical economic and commercial exchanges will deliver tangible development benefits to both countries. He expected this dialogue to generate more constructive ideas for deepening China-ROK cooperation.
During the keynote session, experts and scholars from Jilin University and Kyung Hee University engaged in in-depth discussions centered on two major themes: “Changes in the international political order and East Asian regional cooperation” and “Restructuring of the international economic order and China-ROK economic cooperation”.
The participants discussed cutting-edge topics including artificial intelligence governance, marine industrial policies, digital transformation and geopolitical risks, as well as the prospects of China-ROK economic and trade relations. They also focused on practical fields such as the alignment of regional innovation systems, cooperation channels for small and medium-sized enterprises, institutional support and corporate performance, and the development of digital trade. The discussions covered both macro changes in global order and concrete policy coordination and market interactions, offering diverse perspectives and solid analyses for understanding the opportunities and challenges facing China-ROK economic cooperation.
Professor Wang Xiaoke presided over the closing ceremony, where Professor Kim Junyeop and Professor Zhang Huizhi delivered closing summaries. Both scholars spoke highly of the outcomes of the symposium and agreed that the event had built a practical and efficient communication platform for Chinese and Korean researchers. The exchanges further clarified key directions for bilateral economic cooperation including the digital economy and industrial chain coordination. They looked forward to continuously deepening the academic exchange mechanism between the two institutions, so as to jointly contribute academic wisdom to the development of China-ROK relations and regional economic cooperation
