Regional and country studies key amid globalization shift

The world is shifting from a form of globalization dominated by a single country and institutional system toward "multipolar globalization" involving multiple regions and civilizations, said Zhao Zhongxiu, president of the University of International Business and Economics.

He made the remarks at the inaugural CRS China-Europe Humboldt Forum held recently in Halle, Germany, where the Saltroad Meets Silkroad platform was launched to deepen academic and people-to-people exchanges between China and Europe.

Zhao said regional and country studies should respond to this shift through interdisciplinary, cross-regional and practice-oriented research, providing intellectual support for cross-border business cooperation, policymaking and dialogue among civilizations.

Known as SMS, the new platform will use Halle as a European hub connecting Germany and Austria with China and Southeast Asia. It will support student and scholar exchanges, joint publications, annual academic conferences and collaborative projects in science, technology and industry.

Its name draws inspiration from ancient salt roads and the Silk Road, both of which linked cities and communities through trade and the movement of people. Halle, whose development was closely tied to salt production, was once an important node in European trade through overland routes and the Saale-Elbe waterway network.

Ralf Wehrspohn, co-CEO of the Institute for Technologies and Economics of Lithium, said SMS is intended to become a long-term mechanism linking academia, education and industry. The foundation will also provide funding for students and young scholars participating in China-Europe exchanges.