Hainan University (HNU) held its 13th Luminaries Lecture in Humanities & Social Sciences in the auditorium of the Social Science Complex on the evening of March 27. Xu Yan, a renowned military historian and former professor at the China People’s Liberation Army National Defence University (NDU), delivered a keynote speech titled A Review of National Defense Development since 1949: Lessons and Insights. Zhang Jiyou, Executive Deputy Secretary of CPC HNU Committee, and other senior HNU leaders were in attendance. Vice President Li Buhong chaired the event.

Lecture venue (Photo by Yang Mengna)

With a review of China’s national defense development since 1949, Xu Yan analyzed in-depth China’s national security from the perspectives of military struggles, achievements, and strategic shifts, summarizing experience and offering insights. He emphasized that China faces both opportunities and challenges in today’s complex and dynamic global landscape. Safeguarding national security requires a clear assessment of the current world situation and the formulation of appropriate defense strategies. Xu stressed the importance of adopting a holistic approach to national security and understanding the new features and trends. Additionally, he also highlighted the need to integrate national defense with economic and social development to achieve synchronized growth in defense and economic strength.

Xu Yan delivering the lecture (Photo by Liao Dandan)

The lecture attracted a packed and attentive audience. In the Q&A session, they raised questions about China’s contemporary national security and national defense development. Xu offered detailed answers, sharing his unique insights and valuable experiences.

Q&A session (Photo by Yang Mengna)

Representatives from the Commission for Integrated Civil-Military Development under CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, faculty and student representatives from all HNU campuses and science & education parks, as well as heads of the departments concerned, participated online or in person.

Translated by Fu Ya

Proofread by Kuang Xiaowen, Yang Jie