Last week, the Research Centre for Contemporary Chinese Culture of the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) at CUHK organised the 5th Chen Kai-wen Lecture on Modern Chinese History. Professor Shen Zhihua, a renowned professor from East China Normal University, was the invited speaker of a public lecture and a seminar on campus.

The public lecture, titled “The China-DPRK-USSR Trilateral Relations: A Historical Survey (1921-1991),” took place on 11 March at the Yasumoto International Academic Park. Professor Shen first underlined the features of the trilateral relations, then discussed its connection to the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. The lecture culminated with a Q&A session.

The seminar, titled “Evolution of the Security Structure on the Korean Peninsula (1970s-1990s),” took place on 15 March at the Cheng Yu Tung Building. Professor Li Danhui of East China Normal University, along with Professor Niu Jun of Shanghai International Studies University joined Professor Shen as speakers. Professor Li first delineated the deterioration of Sino-Soviet relations in the 1960s, which was followed by Professor Niu’s account of the easing of tensions between China and the US that ensued. Professor Shen then expounded on the changes in China’s policies towards the DPRK subsequent to the détente between Beijing and Washington. Engaging the audience, they brought together their thoughts on modern Chinese history, thus drawing this year’s lecture series to a close.