The Bi-Weekly 1 | BCS: An Introduction
As this is our first newsletter, please learn more about our history, our background, what we do, and what you can expect from us next!
A Word From The BCS E-Board
Welcome to the Brown China Summit Newsletter! This year more than ever, our mission is to create a platform where the Brown community can engage in dialogue to gain a nuanced understanding of China. Every two weeks, join us as we explore current events in the realms of international relations, economics, technology, and more. In future issues of this newsletter, you'll also find a summary list of China-related events happening around campus, making us a one-stop shop for your interests.
Who Are We Exactly?
Founded in 2014, the main goal of our organization is to be as follows:
Brown’s Student-Led Hub For All Things China
Since our inception, we have taken many initiatives to fulfill our goal. Using our dynamic network of students, scholars, and professionals, we create an inclusive space for everyone to take part in constructing the vital dialogue surrounding China and Chineseness in the 21st century. Every spring semester, we host our yearly summit that drives global conversations around critical trends and issues related to China. We also host events such as year-round panels, talks, and film screenings in collaboration with other bodies on campus such as the Watson Institute, the East Asian Studies Department, and the CSSA. Every year, we strive to better ourselves to promote dialogue and understanding within Brown and beyond.
Fall 2024 Recap
What have we already done?
Our first event for the year was a movie screening in collaboration with the CSSA. Held on October 19, in line with Halloween, the Taiwanese horror film Incantation was shown.
Next up, on November 15th, around a week after Trump was named president-elect again, a stand-alone panel discussing a rematch between Trump and China was held. The speakers consisted of Lyle Goldstein, the Director of the Watson China Initiative, and Yan Xu, a postdoctoral fellow at the Watson.
Lastly, on the 22nd of November, the Chinese sci-fi film Wandering The Earth was screened. Afterward, fellow movie enjoyers discussed the movie’s role in Chinese sci-fi, nationalism, and global media with MCM Professor Jingyi Li.
Spring 2025 Events
So, what next do we have next for you?
Starting the new year, in late January, the founder of the beloved Ceremony coffee shop will be coming onto campus to talk more about the shop, her experiences as a shop owner, and how Ceremony connects to her Chinese background. Have we also mentioned that she is a Brown alumn?
In February, we will be bringing you two exciting events! In the first week, there will be a stand-alone panel discussing the Chinese Diaspora's role in shaping Southeast Asia. With tensions rising within the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia becoming a rising global power, this is a discussion everyone should be having!
In March, we have our highly anticipated annual summit! Spanning two days from March 8th to March 9th, the summit will consist of panel discussions on different topics: finance, religion, AI in China, how China has urbanized, and more. With professors and speakers from around the country, you definitely would not want to miss this!
Finally, a stand-alone panel will be held in April to wrap the year up! This panel will focus on the contemporary Chinese art scene, discussing the players and the primary and secondary markets. The art will be analyzed through local and international perspectives, and how it can be understood in the context of US-China relations. Whether you are a fan of arts or politics (or both), keep on the lookout for this event!
Wait, quick quiz!
Anyways, with many events on the horizon, we highly encourage you to be engaged with what we are doing. You can do this by following our Instagram @brownchinasummit and subscribing to our substack! We hope to see you at many of our events, and again, happy new years (新年快乐)!