Beijing International Studies University (BISU) held the inaugural "Baltic Regional and Language Studies Symposium" from June 19 to 20. The symposium, jointly organized by the School of European Studies and the Institute of Area Studies, focused on Baltic regional and language studies and attracted representatives from all four Ministry of Education-approved regional and country studies centers specializing in the Baltic region.

A group photo of the symposium

Prominent scholars and experts from universities such as Liaoning University, Guizhou University, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Hangzhou Normal University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Shanghai International Studies University, Xi'an International Studies University, and Chengdu University of Foreign Languages gathered at BISU for this significant academic event. 

Representatives from BISU's departments of Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Polish language studies, along with faculty members from the School of European Studies and the Institute of Area Studies, participated in the symposium as well, fostering fruitful academic exchanges and knowledge sharing.

During his speech, Professor Zheng Chengjun, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC BISU Committee and vice-president of the university, underscored the importance of intensifying research and attention on the Baltic countries, which possess distinct characteristics. He emphasized that regional and country studies, as the sole interdisciplinary subject in the humanities, infuse new vitality into foreign language disciplines, offering fresh opportunities for their development. 

Zheng encouraged leveraging the advantages of foreign language disciplines, including linguistic expertise and research materials, and advocated for interdisciplinary integration. He stressed the need for unified awareness among foreign language professionals, organized scientific research, and progress towards a shared future for humanity. Zheng expressed his hope that the symposium would generate new energy and momentum in the field of regional and country studies.

Professor Jiang Lu, dean of the School of European Studies, provided an overview of the significant milestones, departmental advancements, and faculty strength of the Baltic-related language programs offered by the School of European Studies. Professor Fang Youzhong, executive vice-dean of the Institute of Area Studies, highlighted the institute's dedication to Baltic regional studies. The symposium was chaired by Professor Gao Jingyi, head of the Department of Northern at the School of European Studies.

Lithuanian language major students give academic reports.

Driven by China's extensive knowledge about world affairs, there is a growing aspiration within the academic community to consolidate scattered academic resources from political science, history, foreign language and literature, and education into a cohesive discipline. This successful symposium brought together domestic experts and scholars specializing in Baltic regional studies, creating an opportunity for them to connect with domestic professionals in Baltic regional foreign language studies for the first time. 

The symposium's significance lies in its contribution to the promotion of academic research and cooperation, while also exemplifying the distinctive integration of regional and country studies with the discipline of foreign language and literature at BISU. The university stays committed to prioritizing fundamental teaching and research, drawing insights from diverse perspectives, actively exploring new avenues, and making substantial contributions to the development of Baltic research think tanks in China.