In March 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a speech at the Moscow Institute of International Relations, where he firstly put forward the concept of “new model of international relations based on cooperation and mutual benefit”. The report of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China further proposed "to promote the building of a new model of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation." The new model of international relations is an important part of Xi Jinping's socialist thought with Chinese characteristics in the new era, and it has extremely important guiding significance for advancing China's foreign policy in the new era. 

In In this context, the School of International Relations, University of International Business and Economics, successfully hosted the 2018 UIBE Summer International Symposium on the New Model of International Relations on July 15, 2018 .

Professor Zhao Zhongxiu, Vice President of the University of International Business and Economics, attended the meeting and delivered an opening speech. He argued that the current world is in a complicated and volatile situation, and new problems such as the re-emergence of trade protectionism further complicate the situation. Exploring China's foreign policy and the New Model of International Relations hence becomes of significant importance. Professor Zhao Zhongxiu expressed his warm welcome to the participating scholars.

The seminar consisted of four panels. The first panel was themed "The Conceptual Framework of the New Model of International Relations." James DeShaw Rae, professor at California State University in Sacramento, analysed the positioning of the New Model of International Relations in the theory of international relations. He argued that the new international relations cover many elements of international relations theory, and at the same time, appeal to China's Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Liu Feng, professor at Nankai University, explored the relationship between the major powers from a realist perspective. He argued that in the context of global power transfer, there are many types of relations among the major powers, such as cooperation, competition and confrontation. The current world needs to be healthier and more tolerant. Dr. Nick C. Florea, lecturer at the School of International Relations, University of International Business and Economics, explored the new model of international relations from the perspective of international law. He argued that, in order to understand the new model of international relations, it is necessary to understand China's traditional political thought and the history of modern China's normative crystallization and to study China's gradual progress. After the speech, Keith Gehring, assistant professor at the University of Denver, commented over the contents presented by the three scholars.

The second panel analysed the practical aspects of the new model of international relations. Shi Yan, doctoral candidate at Tsinghua University, discussed the theory and practice of building a new type of international relations from the perspective of global governance. She argued that the relationship between the big powers and the emerging powers is an important issue. China is capable to actively promote mutual respect, equality, and a new model of international relations characterized by equity and mutual benefit. Sara Marchetta, from the EU - China Chamber of Commerce, discussed the bilateral investment approval issues between China and the EU. She believes that the EU is very concerned about the investment projects involved in China's “16+1 Cooperation”, “Belt and Road Initiative” and “Made in China 2025” programs. China and the EU have a different understanding of the foreign investment approval process. Justin Canfil, doctoral candidate at Columbia University, discussed the issue of space law in relations between major powers. He argued that the field of outer space has become an important area for competition among major powers and the existing system of international law shall be perfected to accommodate the regulation of outer space. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new sets of rules at the global level. After the speech, James DeShaw Rae, a professor at California State University, Sacramento, commented over the contents of the three scholars.

The third section discussed China's Foreign Policy and the New Model of International Relations. Prof. Men Jing from the College of Europe discussed the EU's China policy. She pointed out that the one-China principle, the “Belt and Road Initiative” and the “Made in China 2025” plan are the core contents of the China-EU relations. The EU is more concerned about market access and fair competition. Wei Ling, professor at the School of Foreign Affairs, discussed the relationship between China and ASEAN. She believes that ASEAN adheres to the policy of developing regionalism in its relations with China and focuses on cooperation with China in the areas of economy and trade and non-traditional security. Guenter Heiduk , a professor at the Warsaw School of Economics in Poland, discussed the European economic integration in the context of the “Belt and Road Initiative”. He believes that Europe now needs to formulate a unified policy in response to the “Belt and Road Initiative” to further promote the “Belt and Road Initiative” and the Eurasian economy. After the presentation, Liu Feng, professor at Nankai University, commented on the contents of the three scholars.

The final panel was dedicated to “Assessing the New Model of International Relations”. Mr. Andy Mok, political commentator for CGTN, discussed how the post-Cold War era transcends the Thucydides trap. Mok argued that the current US-led world order is being challenged, and Xi Jinping’s new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics will result in the emergence of a new model of international relations. Moreover, China can play a more active role in many fields, including the North Korean nuclear issue. Monica Thiel, professor at the School of Public Administration of the University of International Business and Economics, discussed how to build and govern partnerships in the new model of international relations. She believes that in order to deal with issues such as government capture and corruption in national regulatory work, it is necessary to actively explore issues such as governance and cooperation. Hu Ran, a doctoral student at York University in the United Kingdom, explored the theoretical novelty of the new model. He argued that the new concept and the five principles of peaceful coexistence and the “harmonious world” have obvious continuity in China’s existing diplomatic philosophy. A summary of the latest ideas in diplomatic practice.

Professor Dai Changzheng, Dean of the School of International Relations at the University of International Business and Economics, expressed his full affirmation and sincere gratitude to all the guests for their efforts and high professional standards. He said that the academic world needs to place the concept of new international relations into the historical evolution of China's foreign policy and conduct further in-depth research. At the same time, it should actively explore how China can concretely implement the concept of new international relations and how to become a model for building a new model of international relations. Prof. Dai concluded that the new concept of international relations is truly effective and engages and benefits all countries in the world. 

Guangming.com reports: 

http://theory.gmw.cn/2018-07/20/content_29977388.htm

China Social Science Network reports:

 http://news.cssn.cn/zx/bwyc/201807/t20180725_4509414.shtml?from=singlemessage