The Korea-China Social Science Society announced on the 20th that it held its winter academic conference under the theme "Chinese-style Modernization, Circular Economy, and Global Governance" at the Far Eastern Studies Institute of Kyungnam University in Samcheong-dong, Seoul.

Korea-China Social Science Conference /Courtesy of Korea-China Social Science Conference

This academic conference was jointly hosted by the InAsia Forum (IAF) and the Global China Research Center of Pukyong National University. Seo Chang-bae, president of the Korea-China Social Science Society and a professor at Pukyong National University, noted, "In the current situation where there is a mix of pessimism, called 'Peak-China,' about China's economy and optimism regarding enhancing competitive capabilities in advanced industries for sustainable growth, it is necessary to closely analyze the status and direction of China's economic and industrial development." Seo added, "The 'Chinese-style modernization' re-emphasized at the party conference in October highlights high-quality development, common prosperity, a circular economy, global governance, and a Chinese model."

Seo continued, "Through a multifaceted approach to Chinese-style modernization linked with the development of the service industry, we aim to explore the development of a circular economy through the recycling industry and focus more on China's resilience and sustainability based on in-depth discussions on global governance. This is to search for short- and medium-term response strategies for Korea."

Furthermore, Professor Seo added, "With a comprehensive linkage and expansion of topics discussed in spring (February) and summer (June) on 'security and internal and external risks and resilience,' and 'Global South' addressed in autumn (October), this winter's (December) academic conference aims to focus more on the transition of China's future political and economic development and to detect those changes."

This winter academic conference consisted of six sessions, 24 topic presentations, and a comprehensive discussion, with more than 60 experts participating. The society noted that it is encouraging that the opportunities for early career researchers to participate have expanded for the next generation of academics. It stated, "We will continue to enhance the development and sustainability of China studies by expanding opportunities for early career researchers to participate."