The International Conference on “China – South Asia Civilization and Connectivity: History and Contemporary Issues” aims to understand the contours of relations between China and South Asia through the broad lenses of history, civilization, sociocultural dynamics, economic and political ties. “What’s past is prologue”, to borrow from Shakespeare (The Tempest), sets the context of this conference to explore, broaden and deepen our understandings of the past, the present and the future of China – South Asia relationships.
Organized by the CSCSS at NSU, the conference hopes to provide a platform for researchers, scholars, policy-makers and concerned stakeholders to share and exchange knowledge and ideas related to the conference themes.
Date: 27 – 28 December 2024
Conference Objectives:
The conference endeavors to:
- Offer an interdisciplinary platform to discuss socio-cultural, economic, and political interactions between China and South Asia from historical and contemporary perspectives.
- Critically assess and forecast the trajectory of China-South Asia relations from civilizational angles.
- Explore the implications of China’s growing business and economic ties, of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its socio-cultural, economic, and foreign policy dimensions.
- Encourage academic and policy-oriented dialogues on environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, education and trade dynamics
Major themes
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Socio-cultural interactions
Ethnic communities, cultural heritage, conservations, and tourism.
Linguistics, religious, and intercultural communications.
Trade connections and civilizational interactions in connection with the Silk Road and Ancient Tea Horse Road
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Infrastructure and logistics
Progress in infrastructure, transportation, and regional connectivity.
Transnational logistics and development strategies.
BRI's narratives and impacts on enhancing connections and geopolitical dynamics.
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Economic and trade connections
Evolving commercial relationships and investment patterns.
ancial strategies and economic collaboration.
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Political and diplomatic dynamics
Political implications and diplomatic strategies in the region.
Chinese and South Asian perspectives on BRI cooperation.
People to people relations
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Environmental, climate change, and sustainability
Collective efforts for eco-friendly infrastructure and climate change responses
Environmental policies and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Language and education
Language education, student and cultural exchanges, and scholarship programs.
Chinese soft power in South Asia
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Health and medicine
Health systems, traditional Chinese medicine, and South Asian Ethnomedicine, capacity building in healthcare systems.
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Media, communication, and public sentiment
Media’s role in shaping public opinion and regional connectivity narratives
Digital media advancements and communication technologies.
Conference Format:
The conference will include individual paper presentations, panel discussions, roundtables, and networking opportunities, fostering a diverse and comprehensive discourse
Expected outcomes:
The conference will produce an edited volume and a special issue of the NSU journal - North-South Journal of Peace and Global Studies (NSJPGS)
Participants:
The conference invites scholars, academics, government policy-makers and strategists, business leaders, media experts, and delegates from global organizations to contribute and participate in this critical discourse
Special Note: For submission guidelines, detailed program, and registration information, please visit the conference website or contact the CSCSS at North South University.