Tianjin Foreign Studies University Delegation Visits Tianjin University for Academic Exchange and Research

On the morning of March 27, the delegation led by Li Yingying, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Tianjin Foreign Studies University (TFSU), visited Tianjin University (TJU) to conduct research on the disciplinary development of Country and Area Studies. The TJU delegation was represented by Zheng Gang, Member of the Standing Committee of TJU Party Committee and Vice President of TJU, along with relevant officials from the School of Foreign Languages and the Institute for Global South Studies.

During the meeting, Zheng Gang extended a warm welcome to the TFSU delegation and provided a brief overview of the development and future plans for humanities and social sciences at TJU. He noted that TJU is committed to building a model of humanities and social sciences characterized by "refined focus, high standards, and distinctive features." He emphasized that the development of new liberal arts should align with major national strategic needs, produce a number of landmark outcomes, and enhance the academic influence and social impact of TJU’s humanities and social sciences disciplines. He also suggested that the two universities strengthen inter-institutional collaboration, leverage complementary strengths, and jointly promote the high-quality development of new liberal arts and Country and Area Studies.

Li Yingying introduced the progress of new liberal arts development at TFSU, noting that the university has carried out a series of innovative practices aimed at the transformation and development of foreign language institutions, gradually forming a distinctive development path tailored to its own context. She proposed that the two universities build on their respective strengths, enhance resource integration, and establish a comprehensive and close cooperative relationship, particularly in areas such as project applications, joint talent cultivations, and collaborative disciplinary developments.

During the meeting, Wang Lisong, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Rotating Chair of the Council of the Institute for Global South Studies, provided a detailed account of the development trajectory and academic philosophy of Country and Area Studies at TJU, the establishment of the Global South Institute, research outcomes, and future plans. His presentation fully demonstrated the distinctive features of TJU’s work in developing Country and Area Studies as a discipline.

The meeting was chaired by Zhang Wenli, Party Secretary of the School of Foreign Languages at TJU. During the exchange session, Wang Jijun, Director of the Academic Affairs Office at TFSU, Li Qiang, Director of the Scientific Research Office and Dean of the School of International Relations at TFSU, Zheng Jiyong, Dean of the Institute of Country and Area Studies at TFSU, and their counterparts from TJU engaged in in-depth and lively discussions on topics including the distinctive characteristics and development of Country and Area Studies, collaboration on research institutions, researchers and fields, as well as joint talent cultivation through micro-specialities and internationalization initiatives.

This exchange effectively facilitated the sharing of experiences and strengthened collaboration between the two universities. Both sides will take this opportunity to further deepen practical cooperation, jointly advance the high-quality development of Country and Area Studies, and enhance their capacity to serve national strategies and economic development.

Prior to the meeting, the TFSU delegation conducted an on-site visit to the School of Foreign Languages and the Institute for Global South Studies at TJU.