Delegation from Tongji University Visits Hungary to Foster Academic and Cultural Collaboration

From June 12 to 15, 2024, a delegation from Tongji University's School of Politics and International Relations visited Hungary. Led by Distinguished Changjiang Scholar Professor Men Honghua, Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations/China Institute of Strategy, the delegation participated in an international academic forum for graduate students, titled "Global South and Central European Relations," co-hosted with the Hungarian National University of Public Service. Additionally, they met with Chinese Ambassador to Hungary, Gong Tao, for discussions on Sino-Hungarian academic and cultural exchanges.

On June 13, the "Global South and Central European Relations" forum was held at the Hungarian-Chinese Economic Chamber, with opening remarks by Professor Men Honghua and Professor Péter Krisztián Zacher, Vice Dean of the School of Public Governance and International Studies at the Hungarian National University of Public Service. Professor Men emphasized the importance of exploring Global South and Central European relations to deepen Sino-Hungarian ties and mutual learning.

Presentations from professors and scholars explored topics including China's relationship with the Global South, its impact on Sino-European relations, and Hungary’s engagement with emerging markets, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. Professor Szabolcs Pásztor discussed the need to move beyond Eurocentric approaches and highlighted the value of learning from diverse international experiences.

Thirteen doctoral students and young scholars from both universities presented on topics like China-EU roles in the Global South, nation-building in Sub-Saharan Africa, and China’s Latin American space program. Their research fostered extensive academic exchange, emphasizing the importance of youth-driven collaborations in building stronger Sino-Hungarian relations.

Throughout the visit, the Tongji University delegation engaged with the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and conducted field research, including at the Wanhua-BorsodChem subsidiary and the China-CEE Institute. These interactions provided valuable insights into Hungary’s historical and cultural contexts, further strengthening academic connections between China and Hungary. Both institutions expressed a commitment to expanding collaborations through joint research, academic exchange programs, and sustainable mechanisms for future cooperation.