The Sun
The Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University (IASZNU) in Jinhua, China, continues its 19-year mission to strengthen China-Africa bonds through intellectual collaboration.
The institute is preparing to launch its Media and Publicity Centre, a new specialised unit to advance its interdisciplinary approach to China-Africa relations.
On May 21, IASZNU hosted a book exchange between its Director, Prof. Liu Hongwu, and Nigerian journalist Ikenna Emewu, Editor-in-Chief of Africa China Economy Magazine. Emewu, a visiting researcher, presented Liu with his books: China: Rise and Global Influence in the 21st Century, based on his journalism fellowship in China, and The Chinese in the Nigerian Economy (2023).
In return, Liu gifted Emewu three of his works, including From Tribal Society to Nation-State: A Survey of the National Development of Nigeria, inspired by Liu’s master’s studies at the University of Lagos in 1990, alongside Sino-African Development Cooperation and Seventy Years of China-Africa Relations.
Reflecting on the exchange, Liu likened their scholarly efforts to scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, saying, “Africa needs to actualise the grand assignment of conquering an intellectual task as high as the Kilimanjaro peak. That is also the wish of China to walk hand-in-hand with Africa as old allies for hundreds of years to attain that objective. I am happy this is unfolding – a situation where Chinese and African experts and scholars continuously see the need to document our journey together and exchange with each other to motivate both of us.”
In response, Emewu praised Liu’s role in founding IASZNU and pledged to deepen ties between his magazine and the institute. Additionally, he committed to writing more books to promote stronger China-Africa relations, leveraging IASZNU’s platform.