A project launch meeting of "Research on China-featured Cultural Diplomacy" project was held by National Center for Research into Intercultural Communication of Arts (hereinafter referred to as NCRICA) at the School of Arts, Peking University on January 19, 2016. NCRICA is co-established by the Ministry of Culture and Peking University. Officials from The Ministry of Culture who attended this conference were: deputy director Mr. Zhu Qi, former deputy director of the Ministry of Culture and current director of NCRICA Mr. Pu Tong, Deputy Director of Policy and Regulation Department Mr. Zhu Hongbin. Experts from the School of Arts, Peking University were: Dean of School of Arts, of Peking University and co-director of NCRICA Professor Wang Yichuan, associate dean of School of Arts, Peking University and deputy director of NCRICA Professor Chen Xuguang, Professor Peng Feng and Mr. Tang Jinnan, executive director of NCRICA and Professor of School of Arts, Professor Lin Yi, deputy director of Institute for Cultural Industries, Peking University and professor of School of Arts, Professor Xiang Yong. Professor Zhang Zuying from Academy of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Professor Zhang Qingmin from School of International Studies, Peking University, and Professor Cheng Hongjie from Graduate School of Education, Peking University also attended the meeting. Other attendees include the project manager of School of Arts, and NCRICA, Ms. Wang Jun, and postgraduate students from the School of Arts and School of International Studies. The conference was chaired by Professor Chen Xuguang.

Mr. Zhu Qi pointed out that NCRICA needs to focus on theoretical research and provide frontier, guiding and practical results, so it can perform as a think tank for the nation on international cultural communication, at the same time it can enhance the development of soft power of China. In Mr. Pu Tong’s opinion, NCRICA should also act as a veritable advanced think tank. Professor Wang Yichuan suggested NCRICA should take advantages of artistic disciplines of Peking University, encourage the development of intercultural communication between China and other countries.  

Professor Lin Yi then introduced the general information of NCRICA and explained the research proposal of the "Research on China-featured Cultural Diplomacy" project. Experts shared their comments and suggestions on the research project. Mr. Zhu Qi indicated the specific requirements of the research project to bring closure to the meeting. Firstly, take the spirits of President Xi Jinping’s series speeches as the guideline to implement the research project. Secondly, represent the national goals, values, traditions and social system. Thirdly, be acquainted with the strategies of national cultural development and diplomatic resources, study the characteristics of the development of China’s cultural diplomacy, and summarize well-established practices and experiences. Through achieving of the above requirements, we will build the structures of the theoretical system of China-featured cultural diplomacy in many aspects.