“Shanghai Nanjing Plus” 2025: “Exploring Perspectives on China–U.S. Relations” Series: Visit Nanjing (2)
2025/10/17
On October 15, the “Shanghai Nanjing Plus” 2025 delegation of American early- and mid-career experts and scholars continued their visits in Nanjing. The group first explored technological innovation and transformation experiences at Nanjing Iron and Steel Group Co., Ltd., then joined a youth roundtable forum at the Nanjing University–Johns Hopkins University Center for Chinese and American Studies, and concluded the day with the program’s closing ceremony.
Nanjing Iron and Steel Group Co., Ltd
That morning, the delegation visited Nanjing Iron and Steel Group Co., Ltd.—a national high-tech enterprise founded in 1958—to explore the company’s achievements in technological innovation and transformation.
Group Photo in front of the Nanjing Iron and Steel Smart Center
The delegation toured the Future Steel Intelligent Manufacturing Hall, the First Steelmaking Plant, and the Nanjing Iron and Steel Smart Center. Through expert briefings and hands-on experiences with technologies such as the MR point inspection system, 3D digital sand table, and 3D visualization control screens, the delegates gained a vivid understanding of Nanjing Iron & Steel’s evolution, digital transformation, and the strategic vision and real-world execution of its smart-manufacturing upgrades.
The Youth Roundtable Forum at the Center for Chinese and American Studies
That afternoon, the delegation participated in a youth roundtable forum hosted by the Nanjing University–Johns Hopkins University Center for Chinese and American Studies. Titled “Technology Innovation on the Shifting Economic and Policy Landscape,” the forum focused on three main topics: challenges and opportunities within China’s policy environment, insights from global experiences and comparative studies, and human capital development and training in the era of new technologies.
Photo from the Event
The forum was moderated by Adam Webb, American Co-Director of the Center for Chinese and American Studies. Li Xiaorong, Chinese Co-Director, attended the forum and delivered opening remarks. Several faculty members and students from the Center were also present.
In her remarks, Li Xiaorong warmly welcomed the delegation and participating experts. She pointed out that the roundtable’s theme “Technology Innovation on the Shifting Economic and Policy Landscape,” echoed the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics, which spotlighted technological progress as vital for sustainable economic growth and identified “creative destruction” and greater societal openness as pivotal drivers. This resonance, she emphasized, mirrored the core focus of the “Shanghai Nanjing Plus” program, giving the forum special relevance today. She invited scholars and guests to speak openly and engage with cutting-edge ideas from varied viewpoints.
Li Xiaorong, Chinese Co-Director of the Center for Chinese and American Studies, Delivers Remarks
Li Xiaorong, Chinese Co-Director of the Center for Chinese and American Studies, Delivers Remarks
At the forum, Chinese and American experts and scholars openly shared their perspectives, sparking lively discussions on topics such as the opportunities and challenges of China’s policies promoting technological innovation, China-U.S. competition and cooperation in technological innovation, and the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence on talent development, vocational education, and employment. The forum fostered an open and inclusive dialogue environment, providing a valuable platform for the exchange and interplay of diverse viewpoints.
Remarks by Faculty Representatives of the Center for Chinese and American Studies(In Speaking Order)
Delegates’ Remarks
“Shanghai Nanjing Plus” 2025 Series: Closing Ceremony
After the successful conclusion of the youth roundtable, the delegation attended the closing ceremony of the “Shanghai Nanjing Plus” 2025: “Exploring Perspectives on China–U.S. Relations” program at the Center for Chinese and American Studies.
Photo from the Event
The closing ceremony was moderated by Li Xiaorong, Chinese Co-Director of the Center for Chinese and American Studies. Adam Webb, American Co-Director of the Center for Chinese and American Studies, and Chen Dongxiao, President of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, delivered remarks on behalf of the host institutions.
In her remarks, Chinese Co-Director Li Xiaorong expressed heartfelt appreciation for the active participation of the delegates and the dedicated efforts of the host institutions. She emphasized that the core mission of the “Shanghai Nanjing Plus” program is not to force immediate consensus, but to provide an open channel for candid dialogue—enabling American and Chinese scholars to jointly grapple with the “real issues” in bilateral relations and lay the groundwork for future solutions.
Li Xiaorong, Chinese Co-Director of the Center for Chinese and American Studies, Hosts the Closing Ceremony
American Co-Director Adam Webb stated that this year’s activities, through high-caliber events, have built a bridge for early- and mid-career American experts and scholars to gain a deeper, more authentic understanding of China. He expressed hope that this would serve as an opportunity to promote long-term cooperation and exchange among delegates and institutions.
Adam Webb, American Co-Director of the Center for Chinese and American Studies, Delivers Remarks
Chen Dongxiao, President of SIIS, stated that this year’s program was intensively scheduled, with the delegation conducting on-site visits to multiple tech-innovation enterprises and research institutions, gaining firsthand experience of the powerful driving force of technological innovation behind China’s profound transformations. He noted that think tanks, including SIIS, are dedicated to providing expert policy advice to help the government implement reforms more smoothly and effectively. He encouraged the delegates to actively share their insights and suggestions on the “Shanghai Nanjing Plus” program.
Chen Dongxiao, President of SIIS, Delivers Remarks
With this, the week-long “Shanghai Nanjing Plus” 2025: “Exploring Perspectives on China–U.S. Relations” program concluded successfully.
Group Photo in the Center for Chinese and American Studies
Series: Visit Nanjing
