BEIJING, November 15, 2025 — In a convening of China’s leading European studies scholars, the School of English and International Studies (SEIS) at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) marked a significant academic milestone today with the release of the Annual Report on Development of the United Kingdom (2023-2024).
The launch conference drew a distinguished roster of experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), Nanjing University, and other premier research institutions. Together, they examined the shifting political and economic landscape of Great Britain in what has become a defining period for the region.
A Decade of the "Blue Book"
The newly released report marks the tenth edition of the Blue Book of the United Kingdom, a flagship publication series organized by the BFSU Academy of Regional and Global Governance, the British Studies Center at SEIS, and the British Studies Branch of the Chinese Association for European Studies.
Professor Wang Zhanpeng, Executive Dean of the BFSU Academy of Regional and Global Governance and Director of the British Studies Center, formally unveiled the report. In his address, Professor Wang provided a comprehensive analysis of the "Blue Book," which systematically chronicles developments in British politics, economy, society, and diplomacy since July 2023. He also offered a forward-looking assessment, tracking critical changes that have emerged throughout 2025.
Bridging Academic Inquiry and Global Reality
The gathering underscored the vital role of Area Studies in understanding complex geopolitical shifts. Feng Zhongping, Director of the Institute of European Studies at CASS and President of the Chinese Association for European Studies, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized the necessity of conducting Country and Regional Studies that are not only theoretically sound but also responsive to national strategic realities.
Participating scholars engaged in rigorous discourse regarding the findings of the Annual Report. Discussions delved into the "deep logic" governing Britain’s current trajectory, dissecting the adjustments in UK foreign policy, interpreting new political trends, and analyzing the latest socioeconomic indicators. The consensus among attendees highlighted the fluidity of the current British landscape and the need for continued, nuanced observation.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Scholars
Running parallel to the expert symposium, the event hosted a Young Scholars Forum themed "New Trends in British Studies under the Perspective of Area Studies." This platform allowed 25 emerging scholars and graduate researchers to present their latest findings.
Senior experts provided mentorship and constructive critique on the presented papers, fostering an environment of intergenerational academic exchange. This segment of the conference highlighted SEIS’s commitment to nurturing new talent capable of navigating the complexities of international studies.
The successful launch of the Blue Book and the accompanying forums not only reinforces BFSU’s standing as a hub for Country and Regional Studies but also strengthens the collaborative network among China’s top research institutions specializing in European affairs.
