On October 17, 2013, the Fudan-European Centre for China Studies held a workshop on “critical currents in China” with Nordic Institute of Asia Studies (NIAS) and launched the Centre’s China Seminar Series at Asia House, Copenhagen, with presentations of an academic delegation from Fudan University led by President Yang Yuliang.

The opening ceremony of China Seminar Series

 An academic delegation of Fudan University led by President Yang Yuliang attend the workshop

Three leading scholars of Fudan University, Prof. Zhang Rulun, Prof. Ying Xiaohua and Prof. Sun Lijian presented their perspectives on three individually important but interconnected issues in China: the identity and modern relevance of Chinese traditional thoughts and philosophy; the evolution of social security regime with a special focus on public health reform in the trajectory of rapid urbanization and population aging; and the finance industry opening with new experiment of Free Trade Zone in Shanghai as a response to the post-crisis global economy.

  The venue

Prof. Zhang Rulundelivered a keynote speech in the workshop

Prof. Sun Lijiandelivered a keynote speech in the workshop

Prof. Ying Xiaohuadelivered a keynote speech in the workshop

This workshop was co-moderated by the Centre’s directors Prof. Geir Helgesen and Prof. Liu Chunrong, who said that these presentations share one thing in common: a keen understanding of new dynamics of China’s transformation, in which the center will spare no effort in advocating research from cross-disciplinary and comparative perspectives.

Directors Prof. Geir Helgesen in the ceremony

   Executive Vice Director Prof. Liu Chunrong in the ceremony

President Yang Yuliang attended the seminar and delivered a keynote address in the luncheon. He congratulated the launching of China Seminar Series as well as the thought-provoking discussions in the workshop. He shared his vision of building overseas research platforms for China Studies, and expected that the centre at University of Copenhagen will play a significant role in creating cutting-edge knowledge that can achieve a more balanced understanding of Chinese development and can promote mutual understanding between China and the world.

 President Yang Yuliang delivered an address in the luncheon

This workshop was applauded by a group of participants from academia, government, business and the public. Prof. Niels Thygesen, a top Danish economist, applauded the seminar series and believed that the Center’s programs will generate wonderful ideas and research opportunities. Counsellor Xu Yong, representing China Embassy in Denmark, delivered a special speech in the opening session, introducing recent developmental policies in China. Prof. John E. Andersen and Mr. Carsten Dencker Nielsen also spoke to the delegation and audience on behalf of the University of Copenhagen and Asia Business Forum during the luncheon, congratulating the establishment of Fudan-European Center at Copenhagen as well as the success of this workshop.

Counsellor Xu Yong in the opening ceremony

Top Danish economist Prof. Niels Thygesen applauded the seminar series