The 14th HNU Luminaries Lecture in Humanities & Social Sciences took place in the auditorium of the Social Science Complex on the afternoon of April 15. Huang Huikang, a veteran diplomat, also Chairman of the International Law Advisory Committee of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Arbitrator at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague, delivered a keynote speech titled “Taking a Coordinated Approach to Domestic and Foreign-Related Rule of Law: Historical Logic and Guiding Principles in the New Era”. HNU Vice President Gao Diangong chaired the event and He Yong, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, was in attendance.

Lecture venue (Photo by Liu Junle)

With the current international affairs as the lead-in, Huang made a systematic review of the development of foreign-related rule of law in China. He profoundly analyzed six major strides China has made in recent years to strengthen foreign-related legal system, and the significance of these endeavors in the new era. He also pointed to five critical shifts shaping the world today: changes in the global political landscape, the relocation of the global economic center, advances in science and industry, evolution of global governance mechanisms, and the call for building a community with a shared future for mankind. These trends, he argued, reflect the “profound changes unseen in a century” and underscore the importance of strengthening foreign-related rule of law in response to the demands of the new era.

Huang Huikang delivering the lecture (Photo by Zheng Kaiwen)

Huang emphasized that strengthening the foreign-related legal system requires adherence to the leadership of the CPC, top-level institutional design, support for high-level openness, resolute confidence in China’s legal system, and good narration of stories about China’s rule of law. He called for the full implementation of President Xi Jinping’s directives during the 10th group study session of the Political Bureau of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the adoption of an integrated approach to foreign-related rule of law, including legislation, enforcement, administration of justice, observance, and legal services.

Q&A session (Photo by Liu Junle)

The lecture attracted a packed and attentive audience. In the Q&A session, they raised questions about the impact of shifting global landscapes on foreign-related rule of law and the nurturing of legal professionals in this field. Huang offered detailed answers, sharing his unique insights and valuable experiences.

Representatives from the Hainan Free Trade Port Intellectual Property Court (HFTPIPC), 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 Han Yunsheng

Proofread by Kuang Xiaowen, Yang Jie