Conference catalyzes China-Argentina research collaboration

The 2025 International Conference on Argentine Studies in China, cohosted by the Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS) at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), took place in Beijing on Friday. Focusing on China-Argentina comprehensive strategic partnership as it enters its second decade, the conference explored potential avenues for cooperation and gathered insights to advance future research in this area.

Zhao Zhongxiu, president of the UIBE, emphasized that building a China-Argentina knowledge community requires more than just academic dialogue, it also necessitates systematic innovation in knowledge. He proposed the joint creation of bridges in research, talent and understanding to promote the integrated development of advisory services, talent cultivation and people-to-people connectivity. He expressed UIBE's willingness to deepen collaboration with institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences to explore new opportunities for academic exchanges.

The conference also featured a video address by Wang Wei, China's ambassador to Argentina, who highlighted that China's high-standard opening-up and the development of new quality productive forces will inject fresh momentum into bilateral economic, trade and technological cooperation. Additionally, Marcelo Suárez Salvia, Argentina's ambassador to China, delivered a speech underscoring the need to support future China-Argentina cooperation by building a knowledge community.

Pablo Vommaro, executive director of the Latin American Council of Social Sciences, noted that China-Argentina cooperation holds significance for the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. As both Latin America and China belong to the Global South, it is natural for them to deepen mutual learning and exchange, collaborate in areas such as the right to development, human rights, and environmental protection, and work together to build a more just and equitable multilateral world.

Guo Cunhai, director of the Center for Argentine Studies at ILAS, pointed out that resources for Argentine studies in China remain insufficient. He emphasized the need to focus research more at the provincial and city levels, combining academic strengths from both countries to provide solid intellectual support for the China-Argentina comprehensive strategic partnership and for Chinese enterprises expanding into the Argentine market.

To showcase the latest research findings, the conference included a focused release of publications, such as Argentine Studies in China (1972-2025) and reports on Argentina's mining and energy sectors. Three thematic panel discussions followed, covering bilateral relations, economic and technological cooperation, and cultural exchanges. More than 20 scholars and experts from China and Argentina participated, sharing their insights.

Guo concluded that as the China-Argentina comprehensive strategic partnership develops, the demand for specialized and localized knowledge about Argentina has significantly increased in China. He expected the conference to serve as a new starting point to combine research capabilities from both countries and promote the integrated development of bilateral research.