Conference Aims
To advance interdisciplinary scholarship on the historical evolution and contemporary dynamics of socio-cultural, economic, and political interactions between China and South Asia. To critically examine China–South Asia relations through civilizational, ethical, and grassroots (people-topeople) frameworks, foregrounding agency, reciprocity, and long-term coexistence. To assess socio-environmental and cultural heritage implications of large-scale infrastructure initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and trans-Himalayan connectivity projects. To foster evidence-based academic and policy dialogue on priority cooperation dimensions, including sustainable development, cultural heritage, education, and health cooperation. To explore the role of digital media, artificial intelligence, and cyber diplomacy in shaping mutual perceptions and regional stability.
Call for Submissions: Themes & Panels
We invite scholarly contributions—including individual paper abstracts, fully formed panel proposals, and roundtable sessions—that engage with the conference theme. Submissions may address (but are not limited to) the following thematic areas:
I. Civilizational & Cultural Interactions
· Historical connectivity frameworks: Silk Road, Tea–Horse Road, maritime linkages
· Transregional religious and philosophical exchanges (e.g., Buddhist networks)
· Heritage conservation, museum collaborations, shared artistic traditions
· Ethnic communities, cross-border cultural practices, and identity
II. Political & Diplomatic Dimensions
· Decolonization in the Global South
· Geopolitical flashpoints: Bay of Bengal, Indo-Pacific strategies
· Regional security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian issues (e.g., Rohingya)
III. Economic & Trade Dynamics
· Trade patterns, investment, and LDC strategies
· Digital finance, de-dollarization, and economic cooperation
· MSMEs in cross-border value chains
· Sustainable development and inclusive growth
IV. Connectivity, Infrastructure & Logistics
· BRI projects: narratives, implementation, and local impacts
· Transboundary energy cooperation
· Transport corridors and trade facilitation
· Environmental implications of large-scale connectivity
V. Technology, AI & Cyber Diplomacy
· Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and governance
· AI ethics and cross-border data flows
· Cyber diplomacy and confidence-building measures
· Digital public infrastructure and regional cooperation
VI. Language, Education & People-to-People Bonds
· Language education, student mobility, and academic partnerships
· Scholarship programs and cultural institutes
· Translation, publishing, and intellectual exchange
· Role of diaspora communities
VII. Health, Medicine & Traditional Knowledge
· Traditional Chinese medicine and South Asian ethnomedicine
· Health system strengthening and pandemic preparedness
· Medical diplomacy and cross-border health initiatives
· Climate-health nexus
VIII. Media, Communication & Public Sentiment
· Media narratives on China–South Asia relations
· Digital activism, social media, and public opinion
· Film, documentary, and cultural representation
· Disinformation and fact-checking
* Proposals that transcend these categories or adopt innovative formats (e.g., roundtables, dialogue sessions, film screenings) are strongly encouraged.
Submission Guidelines
We invite submissions of:
Individual paper abstracts (250-300 words)
Panel proposals (3-4 papers with chair/respondent)
Roundtable proposals
Each submission should include:
Title
Name and affiliation of presenter(s)
Abstract or session rationale
Preferred thematic area
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 July 2026 (23:59 CST)
Notification of Acceptance: 20 August 2026
Full Paper / Extended Abstract Submission: 30 September 2026
Participants
We welcome scholars, faculty members, independent researchers, postgraduate students (MA and PhD candidates), policy advisors, diplomats, cultural practitioners, and civil society representatives from China, South Asia, and beyond. Early-career researchers and those from underrepresented institutions are especially encouraged to apply.
Conference Format
The conference will span four days (23-26 October 2026), including arrival and departure. The core academic programme, scheduled for 24-25 October, will feature keynote lectures by distinguished scholars, parallel sessions, thematic panels, and a concluding roundtable aimed at generating actionable
insights.
All sessions will be in Kunming, with hybrid participation options available for remote participants (details to be announced).