On February 18, 2025, a delegation led by Researcher Kim Dongchan from the Institute of China Studies, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea, visited the School of Northeast Asian Studies to attend the academic forumThe Future of Northeast Asian Situations in Trump’s Second Term: Seeking Common Interests. The forum aimed to facilitate exchanges between young Chinese and South Korean scholars and jointly explore pathways for the development of China–South Korea relations in the new era.

Co-chaired by Professor Zhang Huizhi, Deputy Director of the Northeast Asian Research Center and Director of the Institute of Korean Studies at Jilin University, and Researcher Kim Dongchan, the forum featured an online opening address delivered by Professor Kim Hyeoncheol, Director of the Institute of China Studies, Yonsei University. Participating scholars held in-depth exchanges on multiple topics, including evolving trends in U.S. relations with Northeast Asian states under Trump’s second term, the shocks and impacts of Trump 2.0 tariff policies, and directions for China–South Korea cooperation in the new era. They also jointly discussed the challenges and opportunities facing both countries amid the shifting regional landscape. At the closing of the forum, Professor Zhang Huizhi expressed the hope that both sides could institutionalize and sustain long-term academic exchanges, building a sound platform for young Chinese and South Korean scholars to engage in academic dialogue.

The forum drew participation from a roster of scholars: Research Professor Jang Youngdeok from the Institute of International Relations, Inha University; Assistant Professor Kim Donghyeon from the Global Leadership College, Yonsei University; Kim Seonjae, Research Officer at the National Assembly Library of the Republic of Korea; as well as Professor Xu Bo, Professor Wang Xiaoke and Associate Professor Kim Xiangdan from the Northeast Asian Studies College of Jilin University.