Professor Shen Yongxiang gave a lecture for graduate students

On the morning of March 22, 2018, Professor Shen Yongxiang, the distinguished professor of the Institute for Human Rights was invited to give a lecture entitled "The History and Development of China's Multilateral Diplomacy" for graduate students. Professor Zhang Wei, Co-director of the Institute, welcomed Professor Shen's arrival.

Professor Shen once worked for a number of international organizations, such as the Commission on Human Rights, United Nations Human Rights Council and World Health Organization. He once participated in the Universal Periodic Review of the human rights situation in China, and the consideration of China's State party report. Professor Shen has held human rights dialogues with the United States, Germany and other countries. Therefore, professor Shen is very familiar with the history and development process of China's multilateral diplomacy, and has profound views on China's multilateral diplomacy.

The lecture was divided into several parts. In the first part, professor Shen introduced the historical process of China's participation in multilateral diplomacy. Professor Shen said the Geneva Conference and the Bandung Conference marked the beginning of China's multilateral diplomacy. The resumption of the lawful seat in the United Nations in 1971 marked the official beginning of China's multilateral diplomacy. Since then, China's multilateral diplomacy has grown in breadth and depth. China has become a member of the BRICS and established the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The initiative of "One Belt and One Road" and "a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind" has been widely recognized by the international community. Next, professor Shen introduced the development status of China's multilateral diplomacy in the past two decades, and introduced the diplomatic layout of China in recent years. In addition to affirming the achievements of China's multilateral diplomacy, in the third part, professor Shen also put forward the unfavorable factors of China's multilateral diplomacy, and explained the challenges facing China's multilateral diplomacy. These disadvantages include the lack of Chinese nationals in the international organizations and the lack of coordination among the departments involved in multilateral diplomacy. Finally, professor Shen summed up the central task that China's multilateral diplomacy should pay attention to in the future. Professor Shen said that the central task of China's multilateral diplomacy is to create a peaceful and stable multilateral diplomatic environment and cultivate high-quality talents of multilateral diplomacy.

After listening, the students asked questions about the relationship between China's foreign aid and domestic poverty alleviation, and the diplomatic game between China and the United States on Taiwan. Professor Shen answered these two questions. Finally, professor Shen took a photo with the graduate students, and the lecture ended successfully.

Written by Cui Weihong