On 26 September 2025, Fudan University hosted the 9th International Symposium of the Network of ASEAN–China Academic Institutes (NACAI), under the theme “Deepening China–ASEAN Partnership: Building a New Framework for Regional Cooperation.” The event also served as the Fudan China–ASEAN Scholars Dialogue 2025. Organised by the Centre for China’s Relations with Neighbouring Countries at Fudan University (CCRNC–Fudan), the symposium opened with remarks from Professor Zhao Weihua, Director of CCRNC–Fudan, who presided over the opening session. This year’s dialogue brought together over fifty distinguished scholars from twenty institutions across China, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
The one-day symposium featured four thematic panels: New Areas of Practical Cooperation between China and ASEAN, New Progress in China–ASEAN Maritime and Land Connectivity, Regional Order and Bilateral Relations, and Regional and Security Issues. These discussions provided a substantive platform for academic exchange and policy-relevant insights on the future of regional cooperation.
Established on 28 May 2017, NACAI serves as a collaborative academic network committed to advancing research, dialogue, and mutual understanding on ASEAN–China relations. CCRNC–Fudan acts as the network’s permanent secretariat, responsible for coordinating NACAI’s activities. Since its inception, NACAI has convened eight previous symposia hosted by institutions including Fudan University, the University of Malaya, the University of Yangon, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Universitas Indonesia, and the University of the Philippines Diliman.
In November 2023, CCRNC–Fudan launched the Fudan China–ASEAN Scholars Dialogue, building on its longstanding engagement with ASEAN partners and the foundation laid by the NACAI symposia. Over the past three years, the Dialogue has become an important channel for informal academic and think-tank exchanges between China and ASEAN, further enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation across the region.
