On December 11, 2024, the 43rd session of the “Adventus Amicorum” seminar series organized by the Institute of Area Studies, Peking University (PKUIAS) took place at No. 66, Yannanyuan. The seminar invited Ambassador Thomas Greminger, executive director of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy; Linda Maduz, head of Asian Affairs at the Centre; Alexandra Matas, director of International Security Dialogue at the Centre; and Prof. Wang Zheng, director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Seton Hall University. The seminar was moderated by Wen Jing, a postdoctoral researcher at the Tsinghua University Center for Strategic and Security Studies. Other experts participating in the discussion included Prof. Zhai Kun, deputy director of PKUIAS; Zhou Bo, a researcher at the Tsinghua University Center for Strategic and Security Studies; Tian Shichen, founder of the Global Governance Institution; Wu Shiyao, a lecturer at the School of International Studies, University of International Business and Economics; and Liu Qinglong, a postdoctoral fellow at the School of International Studies, Peking University.

Ambassador Greminger began by introducing the key areas of focus of the Geneva Center for Security Policy and praising China’s pivotal role in facilitating the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Prof. Wang Zheng shared his experiences during his visit to the Center, noting that as China’s influence in international affairs continues to grow, countries worldwide will increasingly expect China to play a more prominent role in international mediation. Prof. Zhou Bo emphasized that the distinctive features of China’s mediation model lie in its respect for sovereignty, gradual solutions, and cautious use of sanctions and force. Tian Shichen highlighted the profound influence of Chinese culture on the mediation model, particularly in its emphasis on respecting cultural differences and sovereignty. Wu Shiyao and Liu Qinglong separately discussed the evolving situation in Syria and China’s mediation role in the Saudi-Iranian rapprochement.

Finally, the discussants explored the differences in the mediation practices of Nordic countries and examined the adverse effects of global political polarization on mediation efforts. Prof. Wang Zheng concluded that there was great potential for cooperation between the Institute of Area Studies and the Geneva Center for Security Policy in the field of mediation, particularly in combining regional expertise with mediation skills. He also suggested that future cooperation could be strengthened in training and capacity-building, offering more opportunities for young Chinese diplomats to learn and engage in exchanges.