On April 22, 2025, the 78th session of the "Northeast Asia Academic Forum" hosted by the School of Northeast Asia Studies was held in Room 1614 of Nanchen Building. Prof. Chen Xiaoding, Vice Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations, Lanzhou University, was invited to deliver an academic lecture titled "Honesty and Sincerity, Knowledge and Understanding: Expanding the Intellectual Horizons of Regional and Country Studies". The lecture was moderated by Prof. Zhang Jingquan, Vice Dean of the School of Northeast Asia Studies.
Chen Xiaoding organically integrated Regional and Country Studies with China's traditional philosophy of the "Mind" (心学), delving deeply into how Regional and Country Studies can explore pathways for China to coexist harmoniously with the world. He emphasizedthe need to construct a cognitive framework for Regional and Country Studies across four dimensions: disciplinary development, scholarly communities, academic pursuits, and intellectual inquiry. Furthermore, he advocateddeepening the research depth of Regional and Country Studies from four philosophical perspectives—cultivating a sincere mind (正心), nurturing upright intentions (诚意), investigating things (格物), and attaining knowledge (致知)—thus providing a research paradigm for the discipline that blends traditional wisdom with innovative thinking.
Addressing methodological issues in Regional and Country Studies, Chen argued for prioritizing subjectivity, holism, and practicality in the research process. He insisted on embracing multidimensional research approaches, seeking common ground while respecting differences, and underscores the importance of integrating subjective and objective perspectives, as well as adapting to contextual circumstances. During the process of interdisciplinary convergence, he stressed the need to refine the value dimensions inherent in China's rise. Building on this foundation, Chen underscored the significance of identifying real-world problems, drawing inspiration from theoretical frameworks, seeking historical precedents, generating cross-disciplinary insights, and envisioning future possibilities through integration within Regional and Country Studies.
During the interactive session, Chen Xiaoding engaged in lively discussions with participating faculty and students on topics such as the challenges of intercultural communication faced in Regional and Country Studies.
Chen Xiaoding serves as the Vice Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations of Lanzhou University, a Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the Central Asia Research Institute of Lanzhou University. His research focuses on international relations theory, neighborhood diplomacy, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He has published dozens of academic papers in leading professional journals, including World Economics and Politics, Contemporary Asia-Pacific Studies, Diplomatic Review, and Journal of International Security Studies. Several of his works have been reprinted in prominent compilations such as Xinhua Digest, China Social Sciences Digest, Photocopied Materials from Academic Journals by RUC Press, and Academic Abstracts of Humanities and Social Sciences in Higher Education Institutions. Additionally, he has authored or translated four monographs and presided over multiple research projects, including key initiatives funded by the National Social Science Fund of China.
