This is a recurring symposium series that examines several high profile topics about China’s emerging presence in the world to offer complexity, divergent and multiple perspectives, and analytic insight about China that goes beyond the headlines. The goal is a public discussion, grounded in scholarship, that makes possible open and informed dialogue. Panels will focus on relevant and timely topics related to China and will allow ample time for Q&A. Audience members are also welcome to suggest topics for future panels. This series is free and open to the public.
“Aggressive.” “Rivalry.” “Warning.” “Deepening rifts.” The sensationalism of such terms in recent headlines makes it hard to develop a nuanced understanding of China today and its role in the world. This symposium series, which began in 2019, examines relevant topics about China’s emerging presence in the world to offer complexity, divergent and multiple perspectives, and analytic insight about China that goes beyond the headlines. The goal is a public discussion, grounded in scholarship, that makes possible open and informed dialogue.
This series is free and open to the public.
Spring 2023: Understanding Protests and Social Change
Reschedule, Date TBD
Hybrid event: Join in person at the International Center, Room 303 or on Zoom
What do recent protest movements in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Russia look like? How do protestors express their anger, frustration, and dissatisfaction in different cultural systems, and to what extent are the protests affecting change? What risks and rewards exist in protesting as a form of political participation? Join this China and the World: Beyond the Headlines event to delve into protest culture in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Russia. Expert panelists will give their perspectives, and we will leave plenty of time for discussion.
This is a hybrid event with food and networking beginning at 4:00 pm for those joining in person. The program will begin at 4:30 pm in person and on Zoom. Register here to receive the Zoom webinar link.
Moderator:
Tze-lan Sang, Professor, Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures, Michigan State University
Tze-lan Sang is Professor of Chinese Literature and Media Studies at Michigan State University. Her main research interests are gender and sexuality studies, documentary film, and Taiwan studies. Among her major publications are The Emerging Lesbian: Female Same-Sex Desire in Modern China (Chicago, 2003) and Documenting Taiwan on Film: Issues and Methods in New Documentaries (Routledge, 2012). She is also a creative writer. Her Chinese poetry collection Time Capsules was published in Taipei in 2021 (Xiuwei).
Panelists:
Anna Gurinskaya, Assistant Professor, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University
Anna Gurinskaya is a criminologist from St. Petersburg (Russia) who researches policing, punishment, and crime prevention. Dr. Gurinskaya has published widely on crime and citizen compliance in Russia and the complex role of fear, trust, and police legitimacy in various cultural contexts.
Aminda Smith, Associate Professor, Department of History, Michigan State University
Amanda Smith is a historian specializing in modern Chinese history with a particular interest in the social and cultural history of Chinese Communism. She serves as co-director of the PRC History Group, an international scholarly organization dedicated to increasing research and knowledge on the People's Republic of China. Dr. Smith has written widely on the global histories of the Chinese Communist Party and Maoism. At MSU, she teaches classes about Chinese history, gender and sexuality, and the history of the global left.
YK Wang, Professor, Department of Political Science, Western Michigan University
Dr. Yuan-kang Wang is a professor of political science at Western Michigan University. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Chicago. Wang was an International Security Fellow at Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution's Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies. Wang specializes in international relations, East Asian security and U.S.-China relations. His research examines the nexus between international relations theory and historical China. Wang is author of Harmony and War: Confucian Culture and Chinese Power Politics (Columbia University Press, 2011), which examines the influence of Confucian culture on Chinese grand strategy, use of force and war aims. Wang has published articles on peripheral nationalism in China, nationalist mobilization during Taiwan's democratization and U.S. extended deterrence in the Taiwan Strait.
This series is co-sponsored by the Asian Studies Center, Chinese Faculty Club, Center for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies.
Spring 2022: Current State of US-China Relations
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 | 4:30 - 6:00 pm EDT
Video Recording
The Office of China Programs, the International Business Center/MSU-CIBER at Broad College, and other cosponsors are pleased to present this expert panel on US-China relations with a unique Michigan focus. The panel will respond to questions from the MSU community about Russia-China-U.S. relations, global trade, and much more. This panel was designed in partnership with the US-China Business Council, the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Opening Remarks:
Speakers:
Presented in partnership with the US-China Business Council, National Committee on U.S. China Relations, the MSU International Business Center/CIBER at Broad College, and the Office of China Programs
Featured Partners: US-China Business Council, National Committee on US China Relations, and the International Business Center/MSU-CIBER at Broad College
This series is co-sponsored by the APA Studies Program, Asian Studies Center, African Studies Center, Broad China Business Society, Chinese Faculty Club, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Engineering, the International Business Center/MSU-CIBER at Broad College, International Studies & Programs, Office of International Studies in Education, Office of Research and Innovation
China’s Conservation Policies after Rapid Economic Development and Global Impact
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | 7:30 - 9:30 PM EST
This second event in OCP’s China and the World: Beyond the Headlines spring series will focus on research conducted by members of Stanford’s Center on China’s Economy and Institutions (SCCEI) and their research collaborators at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The findings are based on years of collaboration and highlight China’s monumental conservation efforts. Faculty from Stanford, MSU, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences will discuss the impact and implications of their own and related research in this field.
Featured Partner: Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions (SCCEI)
Presented in partnership with the Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions (SCCEI) and the Office of China Programs
The Important Role of Chinese Americans in U.S. History, Business, and Society
February 9, 2022 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM EST
In partnership with MSU faculty and the Committee of 100, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the inclusion of Chinese Americans across society, this event will provide an overview of Chinese American history in the US in an effort to combat anti-Asian hate and to raise awareness about the important role Chinese Americans have played in US history. The panelists will share their expertise, and the event will allow plenty of time for Q&A from the audience.
Speakers:
Presented in partnership with the Committee of 100 and the Office of China Programs
Co-sponsored by APA Studies Program, Asian Studies Center, Chinese Faculty Club, International Business Center, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, International Studies & Programs, Office of International Studies in Education, Broad China Business Society
Africa-China-U.S. Triangle: What You Should Know Today
May 3, 2021 | Virtual
Speakers:
This event is made possible by the Michigan State University African Studies Center, Office of China Programs, International Business Center/MSU-CIBER, and Asian Studies Center
TikTok, WeChat, & More: Talking Tech and IP in the US & China
February 17, 2021 | Virtual
The U.S. and China compete for global dominance in the areas of tech and innovation; however, in an era of global firms and global citizens they must also learn to cooperate. The U.S. espouses free speech while the Trump administration pushed for banning social media platforms like TikTok and WeChat. How will the new administration move forward? China wants to be taken seriously as a global player but is often seen as disregarding global standards and norms. How can these two superpowers find common ground?
Speakers:
Moderator: Xinyu Wu,Ph.D., Co-Director of the Office of China Programs, Michigan State University
Sponsored by the Office of China Programs, Asian Studies Center, International Business Center, CIBER at Broad College
2020 China Town Hall: MSU Follow-up Conversation: The Future of US-China Economic and Political Relationship
November 13, 2020 | Virtual
Speakers:
Sponsored by the Office of China Programs, Asian Studies Center, Broad International Business Center
2020 China Town Hall: Ray Dalio
November 10, 2020 | Virtual
Featuring renowned investor, philanthropist and New York Times best-selling author Ray Dalio, and a follow-up discussion facilitated at Michigan State University.
Sponsored by the Office of China Programs, Asian Studies Center, Broad International Business Center
Perspectives on Hong Kong
January 9, 2022 | 303 International Center
The purpose of the event is to learn about the situation in Hong kong from expoerts outside of sensational news headlines and to provide a safe space with discussion facilitators to share various perspectives on recent events. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to register.
Speakers:
Facilitator:
Co-sponsored by Office of China Programs, Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, African Studies Center, Asian Studies Center, Broad International Business Center, CLACS, China Council
February 2023
Crisis Listening Session
Video recording and Q&A
OCP WeChat
Follow us for the most up to date information and stories bridging our work between MSU and China.
Pandas, Vlogging, and Hanfu:
A Glimpse of Nature,
Culture, and Society in China
View the recording of this event!
MSU Asia Hub
OCP is a key part of this initiative.
