This seminar was held on the Kinugasa Campus, co-hosted by the Graduate School of International Relations (GSIR) and the Ritsumeikan Global Innovation Research Organization (R-GIRO) research program namely "Research Core for Peace with Ritsumeikan Interdisciplinary Studies." This seminar titled “Xi Jinping and His Years Ahead: Is China changing the world or is it a status-quo power?" invited special speaker Professor David Arase from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Professor Arase highlighted China rules establishing Chinese power and norms in East Asia. Professor Arase also unfolded how the rise of China has been the most spectacular process in contemporary international relations. More importantly, how has China’s Foreign Policy developed and how the continuity and change from Deng Xiaoping era, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and the most current one under Xi Jinping’s administration was discussed intensively in this forum. Regarding China’s foreign policy development, not only has regional and international setting influenced China’s perception towards the world, the present domestic dynamics of China are also identified affecting significantly to the extent of China assertiveness and behavior in regional and international arena. The most interesting aspect of Professor Arase's argument is the extent of China has utilized its history to project their current foreign policy: the dream of the past has guided China’s contemporary foreign policy. The conclusion of the seminar includes some policy recommendations to handle China's growing capabilities and power, which has been elevated to a core political issue throughout East Asia and the world. More than 45 participants coming from various Universities in Kansai filled the room. Listening attentively to his resourceful insight and detail material, participants asked questions one after another and enjoyed the lively discussions.

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