On August 23, 2025, the International Conference on China–ROK Relations in a Period of Turbulent and Changing International Order opened at Jilin University. Co-hosted by the Center for Northeast Asian Studies, the Northeast Asian Studies College, the Northeast Asian Research Institute, and the Institute of Korean and Japanese Studies of Jilin University, the event was addressed by Professor Zhang Ran, Member of the University Party Committee and Vice President of Jilin University, and Professor Shin Jung-seung, Chairman of the Korea–China Friendship Association, Former Korean Ambassador to China, and Director of the East Asia Institute at Dongseo University. The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Wu Hao, Dean of the Northeast Asian Studies College and the Northeast Asian Research Institute.
Vice President Zhang Ran quoted President Xi Jinping’s phone call with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on June 10, 2025, noting that “China and the ROK are inseparable neighbors. Since diplomatic normalization 33 years ago, the two countries have transcended ideological and systemic differences, advanced cooperation across sectors, and achieved mutual growth. A healthy, stable, and deepening China–ROK relationship serves the interests of both peoples and supports regional and global peace and prosperity.” Guided by the consensus of the two heads of state, the conference aimed to promote the China–ROK strategic cooperative partnership and contribute to Northeast Asian stability and cooperation.
Chairman Shin Jung-seung thanked Jilin University for organizing the high-level event amid global turbulence, emphasizing its practical significance for maintaining and developing bilateral ties. He noted the rare participation of dozens of leading experts from both sides—many top Korean scholars seldom attend a single conference together—and urged frank dialogue and consensus-building to advance China–ROK relations.
Professors Kwon Nam-hoon (President, Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade), Wang Yuzhu (Secretary-General, China Association of Asia-Pacific Studies), Shin Jung-seung, Wu Hao, Kang Seong-jin (Chief Vice President, Korean Economic Association), Zhang Huizhi (Deputy Director, Center for Northeast Asian Studies), and Cha Doo-hyun (Vice President, Asan Institute for Policy Studies) delivered keynote speeches, moderated by Professor Zhao Yang, Vice Dean of the Northeast Asian Research Institute.
In thematic sessions, scholars engaged in in-depth discussions on two core topics: “Restructuring of the International Economic Order and China–ROK Economic Cooperation” and “Transformation of the International Political Order and Building China–ROK Mutual Trust.” Key issues included the economic impact of Trump’s tariff policies on Northeast Asia, the evolution and future paths of China–ROK economic ties, the strategic implications of U.S. policy shifts for bilateral relations, and prospects for China–ROK relations under the new Lee Jae-myung administration.
Over 50 scholars from leading think tanks and universities—including the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, Korea Institute for National Unification, Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, Sejong Institute, Asan Institute for Policy Studies, Seoul Institute, Korea University, Yonsei University, Dongseo University, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China Institute of International Studies, Sun Yat-sen University, Shandong University, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, Yanbian University, and Jilin University—attended the conference.
Participants exchanged views on foreign policy and bilateral relations, agreeing that academic cooperation is vital amid current challenges. They called for multi-pronged measures to advance ties, including regular academic dialogue to foster stable China–ROK relations and Northeast Asian peace. The conference deepens regional country studies and analysis of the complex Northeast Asian international landscape.
