Opening Remarks at the 2nd Biannual International Forum
on Asia-Middle East Studies
Professor Weilie Zhu, Director of Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai China
Conference Center of US Naval Academy
October 16, 2009
Respected Dr Mallory Starr, President of US Asian Cultural Academy,
Respected Dr Anchi Hoh, Co-Chair of the Forum,
Distinguished guests and representatives, dear friends,
Standing here at the Forum today, I would first of all extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr Starr, Dr Anchi Hoh, Mr Zhao Xiaoming, President of UACA Board, Professor Brannon Wheeler, Director of the Middle East and Islamic Studies of US Naval Academy, and Dr Peter Young, Chief of the Asian Division of US Library of Congress as well as those who have been generous sponsors and coordinators of the forum. Without your extraordinary arrangement and great supports, it’s unlikely that we could jointly host this unprecendented International Premier Academic Forum on Asia-Middle East Studies. As we all know, the US Naval Academy successfully hosted “International Symposium on Middle East Issues” on November 27, 2007. Moreover, it’s unlikely for us to meet our distinguished guests from America and other nations here, carrying out discussion and frequent exchanges with experts and scholars from distinguished groups. This is not only the first time to me personally but also a precious opportunity to Chinese academia on Middle East Studies. Hence, I am deeply grateful and privileged.
I have been engaged in teaching and research on Arabic language for over four decades, and I have been the director of Middle East Studies Institute, the Key Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences affiliated to China’s Ministry of Education for over ten years. Actually I always have various opportunities to visit Middle East countries each year. However, it’s quite rare for me to exchange views with American, European, Asian experts and scholars. Hence, I have pinned a high expectation on the current visit. As we all know, the Middle East issues are by nature the issues of global governance. Most of the countries in that region are Islamic nations. The overall and just solution to the Middle East issues is determined not only by those Islamic countries, but also by the participation of international community. These issues are not only related with the developmental trend of Islamic civilization system, one of the most important civilization systems, such as the rebuilding and implementation of their core values within the background of globalization, the reform and improvement of their social and economic system, but also related to the interaction of western civilization system, East Asian civilization and Islamic civilization, particularly the US and European nations’ strategy and policy towards the Islamic world. Objectively speaking, the Middle East issues are mostly historical problems, which are also linked with the strategic and vital interests of the US and Europe. Consequently, from academic perspective, the Middle East issues exist not only in the field of social science, including politics, economics, law, military science and security studies etc., but also in the field of humanistic science, namely, researchers must have an unique understanding of religion, philosophy, history, culture, art etc. We have noticed that the US President Obama has already frequently conveyed his wish that “the US has no will to fight with Islamic countries,” and “the US is willing to improve its relations with the Islamic world on the basis of mutual respect and common interest.” Here “mutual respect and common interest” should cover all fields of humanistic and social sciences. Judging by the agenda of this Forum, we have notice that, out American counterparts, represented by Dr. Anchi Hoh, have a broad vision and accurate understanding of the Middle East and international studies. It not only reflects our common concern, but also helps to deepen our understanding of the Middle East issues and strengthen our mutual understanding. I am here greatly encouraged by what we can accomplish at this conference. What’s more, we cannot go without the participation in and contribution of various Islamic countries in the transformation of international system and rebuilding of international political and economic order. We should only take the attitude of respect and understanding instead of hostility and confrontation. To Chinese scholars like me, we are always convinced that mutual respect and understanding is not only the basis of democratization of international relations, but also the cornerstone of building a harmonious world. By sticking to mutual respect and understanding, we can form equal relations, achieve justice and finally reach the goal of harmony.
In the golden fall of October, we Chinese have just celebrated with great enthusiasm the 60th anniversary of the founding of PRC. As a senior university professor, what I think most during the celebration is how to push China’s Middle East studies to a new and high level, and how to achieve internationalization so that Chinese researchers and research findings can go global. Generally speaking, China’s Middle East studies are not as advanced as we wish, compared with American, European and other big powers, and relatively backward compared with regional studies in our nation. There are over 100 American studies centers and institutes in China, while its Middle East studies institutes are less than ten. When we make comments on west countries’ Middle East policies, we are clear that China’s domestic understandings of Middle East issues and Islamic civilizations are quite limited. For instance, when we are asked how China could play a more important role in participation in the solution to Middle East hot-spot issues, and why China can’t be the four-party commission member, we find it very hard to answer. Even if we put forward some suggestions, the feasibility might be far from satisfaction. As a result, today we have jointly hosted the symposium together with our American counterparts, which is not only our honor, but also a great learning opportunity for us. We are ready to learn from you, and we treasure the opportunity of exchanges with our colleagues and friends. I sincerely hope this kind of mutual exchanges and common discussion will continue.
In closing, please allow me again to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our American partners represented by Director Brannon, Dr Starr, and Dr Anchi Hoh, and to extend my warm welcome to all distinguished guests, scholars and experts.
Thank you all!
