August 25 – September 1, 2025: Invited by Kim Il Sung University, Professor Zhang Huizhi (Deputy Director of the Northeast Asian Research Center), Professor Wang Xiaoke, and Teacher Jin Huizhen visited the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to attend the International Academic Seminar on “Independence, Equality and Regional Development” hosted by Kim Il Sung University.

Professor Zhang Huizhi chaired the “Economics and Humanities” session and delivered a speech titled New Changes in the International Economic Situation and the Future of East Asian Regional Cooperation. Teacher Jin Huizhen presented on China’s Digital Trade Development Trends and Northeast Asian Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation. Professor Wang Xiaoke joined the discussions as a panelist. Scholars engaged in in-depth talks on national development, regional dynamics, and people-to-people exchanges. Over 20 experts from China and Russia participated, alongside the Vice President of Kim Il Sung University, officials from its Faculty of Social Sciences and Office of International Cooperation, and faculty/research representatives.

After the seminar, Feng Chuntai, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in the DPRK, held a symposium with visiting Chinese scholars. Professor Zhang attended and shared her insights from the visit.

The seminar received strong attention and support from both countries. It was widely covered by media and official outlets including the Chinese Embassy in the DPRK, Korean Central News Agency, Rodong Sinmun, and Korean Central Television. Professor Zhang’s speech was highly praised by DPRK media, which noted her research “offers pathways and methods to effectively advance economic growth amid accelerating economic globalization.”