Almost a dozen MIIS students participated in the Nonproliferation Beijing Immersive Module over spring break lead by Professor Jinhuei Enya Dai. Dr. Dai describes the Nonproliferation Beijing Immersive Module as “an innovative advanced Chinese language immersion program that provided networking opportunities focused on nonproliferation issues and international relations. Students were committed to [speaking] Chinese and interacting with professionals, scholars and graduate students in Beijing from various institutes of international relations and professional organizations focused on nonproliferation issues [from] 3/17/2012 to 3/25/2012… This rare opportunity offered a unique platform for MIIS young scholars to exchange professional ideas and to enhance their potential future collaborative working opportunities…”
The MIIS 2012 Beijing Delegation was invited by CACDA (China Arms Control and Disarmament Association) to conduct a week-long set of exchanges on nonproliferation issues and international relations between China and the U.S in Beijing, China. The delegation was comprised of 8 Chinese-speaking students studying nonproliferation, 1 international relations/MBA major, 2 teaching assistants and 1 instructor.
On March 19th, 2012, CACDA hosted a forum on Chinese nonproliferation issues. The experts at CACDA introduced China’s policy positions and practices on nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. They elaborated on the international nonproliferation situation and regional hot topics, and answered questions on issues such as the Iranian and North Korean nuclear issues, U.S.-Russian nuclear disarmament, and the India-Pakistan nuclear issues. This forum had a friendly and warm atmosphere, creating an interactive Q & A session. Both parties exchanged views on these issues and enhanced their understanding of China’s nuclear nonproliferation policies and nuclear disarmament standpoint. The forum was chaired by Secretary-General Li Hong. Vice-President Li Changhe and CIISS Research Fellow Mr. Hu Yumin also gave presentations on specialized issues.
During their time in Beijing, the MIIS 2012 Beijing delegation also visited the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), China Reform Forum, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, etc.
MIIS scholars who participated in the module reflected positively on the experience as a means of improving their Chinese language skills, their knowledge of Chinese perspectives on arms control issues, as well as a networking opportunity.
One senior research associate from Chinese Academy of Social Sciences commented on how impressed he was with the Chinese language proficiency of the participant. Such mastery of Chinese language on the part of US scholars will help strengthen US-China relations.
We commend the organizers of the Beijing Immersive Module, especially Dr. Dai!
See also the Center for Nonproliferation & Terrorism Studies’ blog on this topic