"Those who share common goals and ideals are not deterred by mountains and oceans." This ancient Chinese proverb, quoted by President Xi Jinping to emphasize international cooperation, served as the guiding spirit for a recent Nanjing University field research group led by the School of Government.

From August 2nd to 10th, the team embarked on a global research program in the Netherlands and Germany. This mission aimed to deeply explore China’s important role and practices in global governance by engaging in practical research on enterprises, academic institutions and international organizations.

Uncover Insights and Explore Justice

Leiden, the Netherlands, served as the starting point of the team’s journey, where students held in-depth exchanges with scholars from the Center of China Studies, Leiden University. Discussions centered on three key themes: social governance in the digital age, comparative analysis of China-West social media, and ethics of algorithms. Afterwards, a guided tour of the university’s historic buildings revealed Leiden’s enduring ethos as a "bastion of freedom."

The team also visited the International Court of Justice. From case filing to public hearings, this immersive experience provided insights into the profound history and intricate workings of international justice. From classrooms to courtrooms, the detailed presentation gave students a firsthand understanding of how international law shapes our world.

Empower Industries and Unite Communities

A visit to Huawei’s European Headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany, showcased the company’s technological advancements. From foundational communication modules to 5G solutions, this visit underscored Chinese tech firms’ pragmatic approach to local talents and global markets, as well as their spirit of innovation.

To deepen the understanding of China-Germany industrial collaboration, the students toured BASF in Ludwigshafen, observing the chemical giant’s waste-reducing production, eco-chemical R&D, and carbon emission control. The company’s collaboration in China, including facilities in Shanghai, Nanjing, and Guangdong Province, underscores its strong confidence in the Chinese market.

This visit also highlighted how Chinese enterprises are expanding their global reach. In China Mobile International (Germany) Co., Ltd., students gained insights into the company’s digital business layout and its commitment to energy-efficient operations. They learned how SOEs leveraged advanced network capabilities to empower regional development.

Foster Diplomacy and Advance Peace

At the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Frankfurt, officials detailed efforts to foster China-Germany relations through cultural events like the Frankfurt Chinese New Year Temple Fair and the Frankfurt International Dragon Boat Race. A highlight was the second China-Europe Enterprise ESG Practices Conference, which facilitated market access for both Chinese and European enterprises.

The research also included a visit to the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF), a leading European institution on peace studies. Discussions with PRIF researchers delved into conflict analysis, prevention, and peace-building, broadening the students’ academic perspectives on international security and transnational politics.

For 18 dedicated students across Nanjing University’s departments, the program was more than a field research trip; it was an enlightening experience. Through daily discourse and firsthand observation, they understood China’s contributions to global governance and international cooperation. The mountains and seas may be vast, but the shared goals and ideals can transcend those barriers, build bridges, and shape tomorrow together.