Tongji University School of Political Science and International Relations Delegation Successfully Visited Serbia and Held International Graduate Forum

From November 19 to 23, 2024, a delegation of faculty and students from the School of Political Science and International Relations at Tongji University successfully visited Serbia and co-hosted a graduate academic forum with the University of Belgrade. The forum’s theme was “Evolution of International Order and Global and Regional Governance”. During the visit, the delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Serbia, Serbian think tanks, and conducted on-site research on Chinese-Serbian “Belt and Road” cooperative enterprises and related projects. The visit was part of Tongji University’s international graduate program and was led by Professor Song Lilei, Director of the European Research Center, and Assistant Professor Wang Lei. Fifteen master's and doctoral students participated in the trip.

Patriotic Education and Embassy Visit

On the morning of November 20, the delegation arrived in Belgrade and visited the site of the former Chinese Embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, where they held a patriotic education activity. Faculty and students laid flowers to honor the martyrs.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Serbia and was warmly received by Minister Counsellor Zhang Zhe. Professor Song Lilei introduced the itinerary of the visit, and Counsellor Xie Bo, along with other embassy representatives, engaged in a discussion with the Tongji faculty and students.

The embassy representatives provided a detailed overview of the development of China-Serbia relations and the remarkable achievements of economic and trade cooperation in recent years. Topics such as “Building a New Era China-Serbia Community of Shared Future”, “China-Serbia Cultural and Educational Exchanges”, and “The Role of Youth in International Engagement” were discussed. The embassy encouraged Tongji University to strengthen academic ties with Serbian universities and institutions, deepen research on Serbia, China-Serbia relations, and Central and Eastern Europe, and contribute “Tongji wisdom” to national strategic needs.

Graduate Forum with the University of Belgrade

On November 21, the delegation visited the University of Belgrade and co-hosted the graduate forum. The opening ceremony featured welcoming speeches by Professor Song Lilei and Professor Vesna Vučinić from the University of Belgrade.

During the forum, 15 Tongji graduate students presented their academic research in main and parallel sessions, covering topics such as global environmental governance, the EU’s green transition, European integration, and security governance. University of Belgrade students and faculty actively commented and asked questions, fostering a lively and engaging atmosphere. Professors Song Lilei and Vučinić commended the students' research efforts and suggested further focusing on research themes and enhancing methodological rigor. Both sides expressed enthusiasm for deeper academic exchanges and cooperation in the future.

During the event, Tongji students also introduced the university’s international student programs and distributed promotional materials.

In the afternoon, Professor Vučinić and researcher Katarina Zakić from Serbia's Institute of International Politics and Economics delivered lectures. Vučinić’s lecture explored the evolving relationship between nation and state in Serbia across historical periods, highlighting key turning points such as World War I, World War II, and the breakup of Yugoslavia. Zakić’s lecture analyzed the challenges in China-Serbia cooperation under the “Belt and Road” Initiative, emphasizing the importance of language learning and mutual understanding to strengthen bilateral ties.

Cultural Exploration and Academic Engagement

In the evening, the delegation, together with faculty and students from the University of Belgrade, visited the National Museum of Serbia, deepening their understanding of Serbian history and cultural traditions.

On November 22, the delegation visited the Institute for National and International Security, where professors delivered academic lectures on security issues. Delegation members actively asked questions and shared their perspectives, expanding their international and academic horizons. Professors from both sides expressed their desire to strengthen academic collaboration and develop exchange programs focusing on European security and China-Serbia relations.

In the afternoon, five doctoral students, led by Professor Song Lilei, conducted a field study at Zijin Mining. The group interacted with representatives from Chinese enterprises in Serbia, including China Road and Bridge Corporation, PowerChina, and Huawei. Discussions focused on the development and cooperation of Chinese enterprises in Serbia, covering topics such as infrastructure construction, local management policies, talent development, cross-cultural communication, corporate compliance, data governance, and public opinion management. Professor Song emphasized the importance of integrating academic research with practical needs to support Chinese enterprises in their global operations.

Meanwhile, the master's student group, guided by Assistant Professor Wang Lei, visited the Hungary-Serbia Railway. This flagship "Belt and Road" project connects Belgrade and Budapest and serves as a model for integrating Chinese rail technology with EU standards. The visit showcased China’s engineering capabilities and the transformative potential of the initiative for the region.

Concluding Reflections

The visit left a deep impression on the delegation members, showcasing the achievements of the "Belt and Road" Initiative in Central and Eastern Europe and providing comprehensive insights into Serbian society, economy, and culture. Through academic exchanges with the University of Belgrade and other institutions, the delegation expanded their academic horizons and international understanding.

The delegation expressed their commitment to promoting cultural and academic collaboration between China and Serbia, telling China’s story effectively, and contributing to mutual growth through youth engagement and international cooperation. The University of Belgrade also reported on the forum on its official website.