On the morning of April 15, 2025 the 23rd lecture of 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 held in the meeting room on the fourth floor of Huagangyuan South Building. The theme of this lecture is "Sino-Russian Relations from 1689 to the Present", and it is delivered by Professor Michael Barry Share, an Emeritus Professor in the Department of History at the University of Hong Kong, a Visiting Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, and an internationally renowned expert on Russian issues. Professor Edmund Li Sheng, Distinguished Professor of the School of Political Science and Public Administration of Shandong University and Executive Director of the the Institute of SCO Studies, presided over the lecture. Faculty members and students from the School of Political Science and Public Administration and the School of Law participated in the academic exchange and discussion.

At the beginning of the lecture, Professor Share pointed out that the Sino-Russian relationship has a long and complex historical context. By elaborating on border concerns, security needs, trade exchanges, and identity recognition, etc., he revealed the basic themes of the Sino-Russian relationship. In addition, the Sino-Russian relationship has undergone evolution. Through reviewing the specific course of the Sino-Russian relationship in different historical periods, Professor Share recounted the evolution process of the Sino-Russian relationship from confrontation to cooperation and then to a strategic partnership. These historical events not only reflect the complexity of the Sino-Russian relationship but also reveal the economic, cultural and other factors that affect the relations between the two countries. Finally, Professor Share summarized the current situation of the Sino-Russian relationship, pointing out that despite previous differences and misunderstandings, through communication and negotiation, both China and Russia have established a foundation of mutual trust and cooperation. Against the backdrop of increasing global challenges, the two countries should strengthen cooperation and continue to maintain stability and development in the future.

In the interactive communication session, teachers and students had a lively discussion and exchange around issues such as the analysis of the sustainability of Sino-Russian trade relations, the changes in the international pattern situation, the triangular relationship among China, the United States and Russia, and the impact of ideology on international relations. Among them, Dr. Zhu Linxu, one of the discussants, pointed out that the economic ties between China and Russia are constantly strengthening, and in the current international situation, the two countries should work hand in hand and deal with the challenges of the constantly fluctuating global trade environment through continuous cooperation. Professor Edmund Li Sheng summarized this lecture and pointed out that remarkable progress has been made in the Sino-Russian relations in the fields of energy, science and technology, economy and trade, etc., and he looks forward to the two countries' continuous exploration of in-depth cooperation under the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

This lecture provided a communication platform for the teachers and students present to further understand the profound historical heritage of Sino-Russian relations and the modern partnership between China and Russia. 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.