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The China Summer Schools, one of the key initiatives of the Iran-China Strategic Studies Think Tank, began in 2023 and, with two successful editions and over 900 participants from Iran and several foreign countries, has become an effective platform for dialogue among researchers, experts, and enthusiasts in the field of China studies.<\/p>\n
Emphasizing the necessity for Iranian statesmen to adopt a strategic “Look to the East” approach based on national interests, as repeatedly highlighted by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Iran-China Strategic Studies Think Tank was motivated to fulfill its role in realizing this key concern of the Leader. By organizing the China Summer Schools, the think tank has taken an effective step toward fostering a better and more accurate understanding of China within Iranian society.<\/p>\n
In his remarks during a meeting with young elites and outstanding scientific talents in Iran (October 2018), the Supreme Leader specifically emphasized the “necessity of scientific engagement with countries experiencing rapid growth,” adding, “These countries are mostly in Asia, so our focus should be on the East…”<\/p>\n
The third edition of this school, held in the form of educational workshops aimed at providing a deeper and more accurate understanding of China and highlighting its realities and capacities, began on August 16, 2025, and will continue until August 27, 2025, with over 22 specialized sessions. The main focus of this edition is a systematic analysis of the strategic developments of the People’s Republic of China and an evaluation of their implications for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Designed with a multidimensional and structured approach, this program enables academics, policymakers, and experts in the fields of economy, politics, and culture to enhance their analytical capacities in leveraging opportunities and capacities for bilateral cooperation. This analytical approach reflects the organizers’ commitment to providing a comprehensive, balanced, and evidence-based understanding of various dimensions of Iran-China relations.<\/p>\n
One of the standout features of the third edition is the extensive participation of high-ranking officials, experienced diplomats, university professors, and renowned experts in China studies. This specialized composition not only ensures the academic quality of the program but also provides participants with analyses grounded in experience and real-world data. Notable speakers and instructors include Dr. Hossein Ghaheri, Dr. Alaeddin Boroujerdi, Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Dr. Yahya Al-Eshaq, Dr. Hossein Malaek, Dr. Javad Mansouri, Dr. Mohammad Keshavarzadeh, Dr. Freydoon Vardinejad, Mr. Majid Reza Hariri, Mr. Farshad Adel Dr. Hojatollah Ayoubi, Dr. Khalil Shirgholami, Dr. Ali Mohammad Sabeghi, and Dr. Adel Khani.<\/p>\n
The sessions of the third edition are designed around three main themes, each offering a comprehensive analysis of various aspects of contemporary China:<\/p>\n
1. **Politics and Security**: This includes examining the concept of deterrence in China’s foreign policy and lessons for Iran, analyzing the dimensions of political and strategic cooperation between Iran and China, the outlook for security and military cooperation between China and regional countries, including Iran, and analyzing China’s strategy in social security. Specialized sessions also cover ambassadors’ experiences, assessments of bilateral relations, and critical analyses of interactions between the two countries.<\/p>\n
2. **Economy and Geo-economics**: The economic and geo-economic focus includes analyzing China’s economic governance, the structure of its banking system, China’s position in the global value chain, and evaluating Iran’s position in Beijing’s geo-economic strategy. Additionally, a session titled “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation between Iran and China in the Era of Global Initiatives” will explore the economic and strategic capacities of both countries, enabling the identification of economic and commercial opportunities and strengthening long-term cooperation strategies.<\/p>\n
3. **Culture and Identity**: The cultural and identity focus includes examining cultural nationalism and the redefinition of China’s national identity, cultural policymaking, lessons for Iran, and analyzing the role of public diplomacy in deepening cultural cooperation. This theme demonstrates that cultural interactions and public diplomacy can create shared cognitive platforms and foster sustainable cooperation between the two countries.<\/p>\n
This thematic diversity enables a precise understanding and analysis of China from economic, political, and cultural perspectives, providing a platform for policymakers, researchers, and economic and cultural activists to develop a balanced, analytical, and practical understanding.<\/p>\n
Beyond a short-term educational program, the China Summer Schools are part of a long-term process to develop scientific, cultural, and strategic cooperation between the two countries. The continuity of these programs has created a stable network of academic and intellectual connections that can be utilized in strategic decision-making, foreign policy, economic planning, and public diplomacy.<\/p>\n
In conclusion, the China Summer Schools not only enhance the specialized knowledge of participants but also provide opportunities for developing research collaborations and fostering long-term strategic interactions. This initiative, with its focus on scientific and multidimensional analysis, enables the precise identification of opportunities and challenges in Iran-China relations and the formulation of effective strategies for advancing cooperation. Amid rapid and fundamental changes in the international system, the continuation of these programs can lead to the creation of a cohesive scientific and analytical network between the two countries, strengthening the foundation for continuous, sustainable, and strategic interactions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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