The era of China's comprehensive integration with the world is bound to come. Over the past four decades of opening-up, the “Chinese miracle” of rapid economic development has seen the country leapfrog into a thriving middle-income economy and vibrant society. Today’s China is marked by practical, theoretical, and institutional innovation, and is well-positioned to embark on its next phase of socio-economic development. Meanwhile, the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. Global governance is caught in the struggle between globalization, which upholds mutual advancement of different states, nations, and societies, and an emerging world order marked by skepticism toward globalization—one in which different actors prioritize their own interest at the expense of others. The fragmentation in global governance is becoming increasingly apparent and long-established global rules are being rewritten faster. Under these circumstances, what path should China undertake? How should this path be understood in both practical and theoretical terms?

The Institute for International Affairs (hereafter referred to as IIA) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) was founded in 2020, a watershed year for China and the world. While classic debates over the nature and direction of international relations remain far from being settled, as the world must grapple with immediate and pressing problems such as the Sino-US trade friction, the transformation of global order, and uncertainty over the direction of social, cultural, and economic globalization in the post-Covid-19 era.

As a comprehensive social science research institution combining academic inquiry and policy analysis, the IIA has, since its inception, been striving to become a high-end academic exchange platform promoting the understanding of China’s role in the world. Taking as its tenet the academic spirit of independence and freedom of thought, IIA is committed to conducting original, independent, and world-leading academic research. IIA explores major issues of national, national and global nature, adhering to its core value of studying the world, exploring the way ahead, learning through experience the order of things, and governing wisely with sound statecraft.

Thanks to the support of all levels of government and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), IIA has attracted a number of specialists and talents with international vision, cross-disciplinary experience, and professional foresight. The IIA adheres to three operational tasks: teaching, research, and decision-making consultation. In addition, IIA pays equal attention to academic research and policy analysis, setting up the teaching projects, research teams oriented to in-depth research, and the research groups dedicated to project management framework.

Moreover, IIA plans to organize annual thematic international academic seminars, to establish an international visiting scholar network, and to develop original academic research programmes. IIA is committed to fostering an open environment of knowledge exchange across disciplinary boundaries, aiming to become a core engine for promoting the development of human society and advancing research in the social sciences and humanities.

Here, I would like to thank all the teachers and colleagues for their efforts, as well as their attention and support for us. I believe that, like other important academic institutions throughout history, we are, and will continue to be, tirelessly and fearlessly exploring our future, China's future, and the world’s future.

Sincerely,

Zheng Yongnian

Chair Professor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen

Director of The Institute for International Affairs