Beijing, China – Tsinghua University’s Strategic and Security Research Center (CISS) has emerged as a prominent think tank focused on international relations and security studies. Established in November 2018, the center, founded by Fu Ying, aims to provide informed analysis and policy recommendations on a range of global issues, from international order and great power competition to regional security dynamics and emerging technologies. Recent activities highlight CISS’s focus on pressing geopolitical challenges, including the situation in Iran and the broader Middle East, as well as the evolving global order.
The CISS operates as a university-level research institution, positioning itself as a key contributor to China’s growing intellectual capacity in international affairs. Its establishment reflects a broader trend within China of strengthening policy research institutions to support informed decision-making in a rapidly changing world. The center’s function is particularly relevant given the increasing complexity of global challenges and the need for nuanced understanding of international dynamics.
A Hub for International Strategic Dialogue
Tsinghua University’s Strategic and Security Research Center hosted a seminar on “Recent Developments in the Iranian Situation and the Future of US-Israel-Iran Relations” on March 12, 2026. According to the CISS website, the seminar brought together over ten experts from institutions including the China Modern International Relations Institute, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Foreign Affairs College, and Ningxia University. The discussion, led by CISS Vice Director Chen Qi and moderated by CISS postdoctoral fellow Wen Jing, likely addressed the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the potential implications for regional stability and international security.
This seminar is indicative of CISS’s commitment to fostering dialogue and analysis on critical geopolitical hotspots. The participation of scholars from diverse institutions underscores the center’s role as a platform for collaborative research and knowledge sharing. The focus on the US-Israel-Iran relationship highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay of interests and dynamics in the region.
The Eighth International Strategic and Security Forum
Just days later, from March 18-20, 2026, CISS hosted its Eighth International Strategic and Security Forum in Beijing. The forum, themed “The Turning Point of the Global Order: Cognitive Shifts and Future Choices,” attracted over sixty participants from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, India, Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, and Singapore. The CISS website details that the discussions centered around five key themes: international order, US-China relations, a multipolar world, the Asia-Pacific region, and global agendas. The forum received support from the Pacific International Exchange Foundation (CUSEF).
The breadth of participation and the scope of the thematic agenda demonstrate CISS’s ambition to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the global order. The inclusion of representatives from major powers, including both potential competitors and partners, suggests a commitment to inclusive dialogue and the exploration of common ground. The focus on cognitive shifts acknowledges the importance of understanding how perceptions and interpretations of events shape policy responses.
Core Objectives and Research Areas
Established on November 7, 2018, by Fu Ying, the Tsinghua University Strategic and Security Research Center is a university-level think tank dedicated to research in the field of international strategy and security. According to Baidu Baike, the center has two primary goals: to conduct research on international order, international relations, and strategy and security issues, tracking situational changes and making judgments to provide reference opinions and suggestions for decision-making; and to conduct various forms of exchanges to promote China’s ideas and policies.
The center’s research is structured around several key areas, including studies of the United States and Europe, global governance, Eurasia, and the governance of artificial intelligence. It also operates “China Forum,” a sub-brand dedicated to international communication, and “Strategic Youth,” a student academic project connecting students with global strategic research. These initiatives demonstrate CISS’s commitment to both academic rigor and practical engagement with the broader international community.
Strategic Youth and China Forum
The “Strategic Youth” program, as highlighted on the CISS website, provides opportunities for students to engage in global strategic research. This initiative underscores the center’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of international affairs experts. Similarly, “China Forum” serves as a platform for disseminating Chinese perspectives on global issues and fostering dialogue with international audiences. These programs contribute to CISS’s broader goal of enhancing China’s influence in the international arena.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The CISS operates under a leadership structure comprising a steering committee and a director responsible for day-to-day operations. An academic committee provides guidance and oversight. The CISS website details that the center’s structure is designed to ensure both effective management and rigorous academic standards. The establishment of an academic committee reflects the importance of maintaining intellectual independence and credibility.
The center’s organizational structure facilitates a collaborative research environment and promotes the integration of diverse perspectives. The steering committee provides strategic direction, although the director ensures the efficient implementation of research programs. The academic committee safeguards the quality and integrity of the center’s work.
Recent Publications and Activities
CISS regularly publishes yearbooks documenting its research activities and findings. Annual reports from 2019 through 2025 are available on the CISS website. These publications provide a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers seeking insights into China’s perspectives on international affairs. The center also hosts a series of lectures and seminars, bringing together leading experts to discuss pressing global challenges.
The consistent publication of annual reports demonstrates CISS’s commitment to transparency and accountability. These reports offer a comprehensive overview of the center’s research agenda, key findings, and policy recommendations. The lectures and seminars provide a platform for intellectual exchange and contribute to the broader discourse on international security and global governance.
Key Takeaways
- Tsinghua University’s Strategic and Security Research Center (CISS) is a leading Chinese think tank focused on international relations and security studies.
- The center hosts international forums and seminars, fostering dialogue among experts from around the world.
- CISS conducts research on a wide range of topics, including international order, US-China relations, and emerging technologies.
- The center aims to provide informed analysis and policy recommendations to support China’s decision-making process.
Looking ahead, the CISS is expected to continue playing a significant role in shaping China’s approach to international affairs. The center’s ongoing research and engagement with the global community will be crucial in navigating the complex challenges facing the world today. Further information on upcoming events and publications can be found on the CISS website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on these important issues in the comments below.