On October 19, 2024, The Johns Hopkins University – Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies (HNC) held its 2024 Decennial Alumni Reunion. Distinguished guests included the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Dean at Johns Hopkins University and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg, SAIS Emeritus Professor and renowned China expert David M. Lampton, and senior host, prominent blogger, and author of Who Misreads China Yang Rui. Over 150 alumni from HNC, SAIS, and the SAIS Europe Center gathered at the HNC campus to celebrate. The opening ceremony was held in the West Auditorium at HNC, co-hosted by HNC Chinese Co-Director Li Xiaorong and American Co-Director Adam K. Webb.

Alumni Reunion Event Scene

James B. Steinberg delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that despite current uncertainties in U.S.-China relations, the two nations remain closely interconnected, with mutual stakes in each other’s wellbeing. He pointed out that the HNC has made significant contributions to U.S.-China engagement by exploring a broad range of critical issues in politics, energy, environment, economics, and law, thus creating a valuable platform for addressing global challenges. Steinberg also expressed gratitude for the remarkable work of HNC’s faculty, whose deep academic expertise, unique insights, and openness play a critical role in advancing cultural exchange, academic innovation, and internationalization at the center.

James B. Steinberg Delivered the Address

The HNC directors welcomed the attendees. Li Xiaorong thanked the alumni who traveled around the world to reconnect at the center, likening HNC’s bond with its alumni to “a single fire when together and countless stars when apart.” She noted that HNC’s intercultural, interdisciplinary platform continuously broadens students’ perspectives and that alumni embody the center’s spirit of openness, inclusivity, and goodwill, contributing to HNC’s growth in their respective fields. Li highlighted that HNC upholds values of academic freedom and openness and will play an increasing role in fostering U.S.-China cultural exchanges and strengthening friendly ties between the two nations. Adam Webb, in his remarks, pointed out that the world’s rapidly changing landscape and the ongoing development of globalization call for both countries to embrace engagement with a more positive and friendly attitude to meet future challenges together. As a hub for academic exchange and cultural interaction, HNC’s significance is more prominent than ever. Since its inception, generation after generation of HNC graduates have left with a global perspective and sense of responsibility, contributing their wisdom and strength to building a more harmonious world.

Co-directors of HNC Pose for a Photo with Panel Guests Yang Rui (far left) and David M. Lampton (second from right)

In a forum themed “Nation and Society in the Shifts of U.S.-China Relations,” David M. Lampton and Yang Rui each delivered keynote speeches. Lampton highlighted that HNC provides a platform of mutual respect and equal dialogue for students from both nations, setting a standard for academic and cultural exchanges. He suggested that U.S.-China relations should not be viewed solely through the lens of conflicts and challenges; instead, the focus should be on achievements and areas of consensus, maintaining an open mindset and a constructive view of U.S.-China relations. He also emphasized the importance of interactions and collaborations across multiple levels—including non-governmental organizations, schools, and individuals—and the necessity of strengthening exchanges at all levels to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Yang Rui pointed out that while the U.S. and China each have advantages and face different development challenges across fields, trust-building remains crucial. He urged the two countries to bridge the “trust gap” by enhancing trade and technology exchange, promoting talent flows and cultural dialogue, and fostering better understanding and communication to mitigate misconceptions and biases, laying a solid foundation for stable U.S.-China relations. In the following Q&A session, the two guests engaged the audience in an in-depth discussion on ways to improve mutual trust and positively shape media narratives.

Forum on “Nation and Society in the Shifts of U.S.-China Relations”

Yang Rui Responds to Audience Questions

David M. Lampton

The Alumni Career Forum took place on the afternoon of October 19 in the Kuang Yaming Auditorium at HNC. Alumni from different cohorts shared their career journeys, including Lin Guoren, President of Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Co (1993–1994 Certificate Program alumnus), Lu Guiping, Partner at Mayer Brown (1993–1994 Certificate Program alumnus), Zhou Yang, Partner at Zhong Lun Law Firm (2003–2004 Certificate Program alumnus), and Daniel Kollar, Vice President of Intralink Greater China (2012–2014 Master’s Program alumnus). They shared their career development experiences and engaged in interactive discussions with alumni and students. They emphasized the importance of a clear career focus, perseverance, maintaining an open mindset, continuously acquiring new knowledge, making the most of HNC’s diverse resources, and leveraging cultural adaptability to achieve cross-border success. The speakers advised deeply exploring one's chosen direction, experimenting and practicing to understand one's strengths, and building a solid foundation for future professional growth.

Alumni Career Sharing Session Scene

The event also featured a master’s thesis presentation session. Current HNC master’s students Fu Jiapei, Chen Ziyi, and Catalina Gonzalez Mojica shared their research. Fu Jiapei’s thesis examined electric vehicles as a strategic core industry in the global competition for energy transition leadership, focusing on industry strategies and the global industrial landscape. Chen Ziyi’s study analyzed religion-based ethnic conflicts, exploring causal mechanisms in securitization spillovers. Catalina Gonzalez Mojica presented a comparative study on water resilience planning in Bogotá and Shenzhen against the backdrop of climate change. Alumni and faculty joined in discussions with the students.

Master's Thesis Presentation Session Scene

HNC also hosted an alumni luncheon, campus tour, and other events. Alumni strolled around the campus, recalling memories from their student days, and deepened their bonds with former classmates through conversations.

1994 Graduating Class Reunion Group Photo

2004 Graduating Class Reunion Group Photo

2014 Graduating Class Reunion Group Photo

Behind-the-Scenes Highlights