On the morning ofNovember 18,2024,the20thlectureof the "Cooperation and Development"series, jointly organized by the School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University, the Institute of SCO Studies of Shandong University, the Institute for Public Safety Research of Shandong University, and the China-SCO Institute of Economics and Trade, was successfully heldat themeeting roomon thefourthfloor of Huagangyuan South Building. The theme of this lecture is"The Theory of the Intermediate Zone and China's Strategy,"andthe lecture was delivered by Men Honghua, a Yangtze River Scholar Distinguished Professor of the Ministry of Education, Director of the China Strategy Institute and School of Politics and International Relations at Tongji University. Thelecturewas chaired by Professor Edmund Li Sheng, Distinguished Professor at the School of Political Science and Public Administration and Executive Dean of the Institute of SCO Studies,Shandong University. Faculty members and students from the school participated in the academic exchange and discussion.

At the beginning of the lecture, Professor Men Honghua first elaborated on the definition of the intermediate zone and its importance in international relations, pointing out that the intermediate zone is a key area contested by great powers and has a profound impact on the global political landscape. Subsequently, Professor Men reviewed China's active pursuit and shaping of the intermediate zone during the transition from a bipolar to a multipolar world order, aiming to safeguard national interests and promote a just international order. Furthermore, he discussed the relationship between the Global South and the intermediate zone, from conceptual tracing and theoretical exploration to theoretical innovation, emphasizing the historical logic and practical value of the Global South as an intermediate zone. Finally, Professor Men proposed China's intermediate zone strategy for the new era, including strengthening cooperation with countries in the Global South, promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind, and fostering common development and security through initiatives such as the Belt and Road. He emphasized that China will continue to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and promote democratization and the rule of law in international relations to achieve fairness and efficiency in global governance.

During the interactive session, teachers and students engaged in lively discussions and exchanges on topics such as the rising East and declining West in the international situation, China's relations with new intermediate zone powers, and China's strategic goal setting and strategic expression. Professor Edmund Li Sheng expressed gratitude to Professor Men for his presence and sharing, and looked forward to the prospects of China's Belt and Road Initiative and solidarity and cooperation with countries in the Global South in the new era.

This lecture provided a platform for teachers and students to further understand the new intermediate zone in the current international situation and China's strategic responses. The School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University remains committed to providing high-quality academic resources for its faculty and students, both domestically and internationally. We encourage continued attention to the school’s updates and the "Cooperation and Development" lecture series organized by the Institute of SCO Studies.