Dr. Denis Simon

Asian/Pacific Studies Institute (APSI), Duke University

Abstract:

Cooperation in higher education has been one of the bedrock elements in U.S.–China relations for over four decades. The mobility of students and scholars as well as faculty and administrators in both directions has helped to support the internationalization goals of universities on both sides of the Pacific. Collaborative research also has been a key component of U.S.–China cooperation as both countries have secured benefits from working together on pushing out the frontiers of science and technology.

Unfortunately, with the souring of political relations between Beijing and Washington DC, the education relationship has come under closer scrutiny. Some groups in the US Congress would even like to reduce the numbers of PRC students and scholars coming to the U.S. and to prevent Chinese students from studying in emerging fields such as AI, advanced computing, and even life sciences.

The numbers of U.S. students interested in studying in China has declined in a significant way. Students and their parents appear to be concerned about diminishing career opportunities in China as well as limits on internet access.

To address and arrest some of these worrisome trends on both sides of the Pacific, the Institute for International Education (IIE) on the U.S. side and China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) on the Chinese side agreed to organize a bilateral “dialogue” to address present and future problems and issues. The first meeting was held in September 2023 in New York; the second meeting was held in Beijing in October 2024.

During this webinar, Dr. Denis Simon, a key participant in organizing both dialogue meetings, will discuss the origins of the dialogue, the nature of the issues discussed, and the work plan devised to ameliorate several of the key on-going issues.

About the speaker:

Denis Simon has been deeply involved in the bilateral relationship in education and S&T affairs for over four decades. From 2015-2020, he served as the Executive Vice Chancellor of Duke Kunshan University. Prior to coming to Duke, he was the Senior Adviser for China Affairs at Arizona State University.

Dr. Simon received his MA in Asian studies and PhD in political science from UC Berkeley and his BA in Asian studies from SUNY New Paltz. In 2006, he received the China National Friendship Award from Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing.