China Studies Centre
The RSU China Studies Centre is a multi-functional centre of expertise in regional studies. Its activities are in accordance with the RSU development vision and can be sub-divided into three main directions: education, research, and internationalisation.
Main areas of activity
Education
- Academic expertise: East Asia area studies courses in collaboration with RSU Faculty of Social Sciences and RSU Social Sciences Research Centre
- PhD supervision: Research topics include East Asia, the global EU, and information manipulation in collaboration with RSU Department of Doctoral Studies
- Mobility: Exchange programmes such as ERASMUS+ and Stanford Global Internships
- Continuing education: Chinese language courses
Research
- Focus areas: Global EU, European Open Strategic Autonomy, East Asian regional dynamics, great power competition in East Asia, China studies, China–Baltic relations, and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI)
- Projects: Collaborations with Latvian and international institutions and NGOs, including Horizon Europe and COST actions
- Outputs: Peer-reviewed articles in Scopus/Web of Science journals, policy papers, media publications, and think tank contributions
- Engagement: Participation in top-tier conferences; co-organisation of international academic events
- Collaboration: Active partnerships with research centres in Latvia and abroad
Internationalisation
- Academic exchange: Visiting professorships and fellowships, both incoming and outgoing
- Networks: Membership in EU and global research and policy networks
- Partnerships: Strong links with international universities, associations, think tanks, governmental bodies, and NGOs
News
Register to receive the monthly newsletter where we share the latest from the China Studies Centre and provide you with updates on international affairs, academic research, and up-to-date information about China and beyond.
Essays
Improving NATO’s economic resilience: lessons from Lithuania and the case for collective NATO economic security
By: Deven Reddy
When it opened its Taiwanese Representative Office in 2021, Lithuania directly violated the One China Policy in the eyes of Beijing. There wasn’t a full-blown military response, but an economic one. Supply chain complications surfaced, and trade volumes decreased. This moment revealed the intricate connection between economics and diplomacy. However, while the E.U. initiated trade policy mechanisms, such as the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), NATO stood aside, not due to indifference, but because economic security, in general, lies slightly outside of its scope of challenges. This raises several important questions: Should military alliances adapt to address issues related to economic interdependence? If so, how can all NATO nations pursue pathways toward compromise and agreement on strategies to combat geopolitical risk exposure? Deven Reddy's full article explores these questions and proposes new ways to approach the economic domain within the EU and NATO.
Beyond the Fix: Assessing the Belt and Road Initiative Rebrand and Its Unaddressed Labor Issues
By: Amina Lučkova
The latest article by Amina Lučkova explores the criticisms against the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and how labor and human rights abuses frequently escape the focus of this matter. The author argues that what is crucial for host countries is the development of strong national institutional frameworks that protect against potential exploitation, particularly labor violations, by Chinese firms involved in BRI projects. The article also outlines the history of BRI, its main successes and challenges with these problems in mind.
Chinese language courses (various levels)
| Target group | Open to everyone |
| Head of Programme | Dr. Sc. Pol. Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova/node/4074, Head of RSU China Studies Centre |
| Duration | 14 lessons (14 x 90 min. or 28 class lessons) |
| Frequency | To be announced once group has been finalised. Once a week, weekday evening. |
| Cost | 200 EUR |
The RSU China Studies Centre offers Chinese language courses for beginners as well as those with prior knowledge, depending on language level.
One course level comprises 20 lessons. Each lesson is 60 minutes.
Those who have completed all tasks and have successfully passed the end of year exam will receive a certificate.
Students are provided with an electronic version of course materials - free of charge.
Number of students is limited (5-10 students in a group).
Employees
Related news
How Russia and China manipulate us on social media. RSU analyses how not to get caughtFor Students, SZF, For RSU Employees
When learning turns into collaboration: birthday conversation with Prof. Tatjana KoķeAnniversaries, RSU History
Towards a stronger alumni community: RSU Alumni Association strategy for the next five yearsRSU Alumni
RSU as safe place and study opportunity for Ukrainian students For Students, Support for Ukraine, For RSU Employees, RSU Alumni
Join the RSU Alumni platform!RSU Alumni
