Tunghai University-News--Scholars from Five Continents Gather at Tunghai University: Four Major Conferences Draw Global Attention

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::: Tunghai University-News--Scholars from Five Continents Gather at Tunghai University: Four Major Conferences Draw Global Attention

Scholars from Five Continents Gather at Tunghai University: Four Major Conferences Draw Global Attention

Department : THUPR
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Date : 2026-05-11

Marking its 70th anniversary, the Department of Political Science at Tunghai University hosted a remarkable series of four major international academic conferences, transforming Taichung into a vibrant hub of global political thought. Within the span of just one month, more than 500 scholars and experts from Taiwan and abroad gathered on campus, including 113 international scholars from 15 countries across Europe and Asia, such as Japan, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Ukraine. Together, they presented hundreds of cutting-edge studies spanning international relations, political science, cultural studies, security studies, and technology policy. According to Department Chair Chang Chun-Hao, the strong international presence demonstrated through these events highlights Tunghai University’s growing role as an essential research hub and bridge within Taiwan’s political science community. The conferences not only showcased the university’s academic strength but also created a dynamic platform for global dialogue and scholarly exchange. The four conferences addressed some of the most pressing issues in contemporary global politics, focusing on geopolitics and great power competition. Discussions ranged widely, covering Japan’s evolving security policies, political and social developments in Southeast Asia, regional security concerns, and governance and societal changes in China. Scholars also explored broader global themes, including the Indo-Pacific strategy, the European Union’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, intensifying U.S.–China rivalry, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the global order.

The Department of Political Science at Tunghai University hosted four major international academic conferences, bringing together over 500 scholars and experts from Taiwan and abroad, including participants from 15 countries across Europe and Asia.

Several highlights underscored the significance of these gatherings. During the Southeast Asia Studies Annual Conference, Tunghai University’s College of Social Sciences signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding with Thammasat University in Thailand, marking a new stage in Taiwan–Thailand academic collaboration. At the Chinese Association of Political Science Annual Meeting, Academician Wu Yu-Shan from Academia Sinica delivered a keynote speech examining how the world has entered a new Cold War shaped by hegemonic competition, mercantilism, and populism. The International Relations Annual Conference brought together leading scholars and policymakers, including Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Yuan Johnny Chiang, and featured a roundtable discussion on the global implications of the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the Japanese Studies Annual Conference received support from Japan’s representative office in Taiwan, with Naoya Araki from the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association emphasizing Tunghai’s role as a key platform for strengthening bilateral relations.

The conferences focused on key global issues such as geopolitics and great power competition, covering topics including Japan’s security policy, Southeast Asian political developments, regional security, and governance and social change in China.

Chair Chang further explained that, under the theme “70 Years of Political Excellence,” these four conferences were organized in collaboration with various academic institutions as part of the university’s 70th anniversary celebrations. He expressed sincere gratitude to faculty members and students whose dedication made the events possible, noting that their collective efforts contributed to enhancing the department’s academic reputation. Looking ahead, the Department of Political Science aims to continue expanding its transnational research network by fostering closer collaboration among academia, government, and industry. Through ongoing international forums and partnerships, Tunghai University seeks to strengthen Taiwan’s voice in global political research and deepen its engagement with the international academic community.

Tunghai University’s College of Social Sciences signed Memorandums of Understanding with Thammasat University in Thailand, marking a new milestone in international academic collaboration.

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