2016 Routine of Mr. Chia-Jui CHENG

It’s until we said “farewell” to each other on July 5th, 2016 at the entrance of Gaoqi International Airport, when I finally realized that Mr. Chia-Jui CHENG, Secretary-General of the Xiamen Academy of International Law, has finished his work for the 2016 Summer Program.

As was in the last year, Mr. CHENG again acted as moderator on the Opening Ceremony for this year’s program, when he expressed his warm welcome to all distinguished guests, professors, students and participants of this program, as well as his wish for the development of Academy in the following years. He also brought earnest greetings from H.E. Judge SHI Jiuyong, an old friend of our Academy.

Aside from presiding the ceremony, Mr. CHENG had another task to introduce the first two lecturing professors (i.e. Prof. Robert Sloane and Prof. Marc Weller) to attendees on the first day of the series. On their trip from hotel to the campus, Mr. CHENG was keen on telling these two professors the changes took place in Xiamen University and the city as well, impressing them with the long history and fast-paced development. They did share their views on South China Sea issue, where Mr. CHENG argued that it is more of a political dispute for Chinese government. However, by providing a larger scope to western scholars, he also successfully exhibited a self-improving China to the professors.

Mr. CHENG is, to an extent, always an advocate of improving China’s reputation in the sphere of international law, and with his continuous commitment, Xiamen Academy is becoming an indispensable institution to Asia, just as what The Hague Academy to the western world. In his blueprint, Xiamen Academy should be the bridge connecting international law researchers and students in Asia to Hague, the UN, and other international law centers of the world. And when it comes to our law school students in Xiamen University, Mr. CHENG sincerely hoped us to take a much more active part in international law studies. “There’s huge space for development in international air law (and other subjects of international law) studies and I want to see more of you catching the chance.”

From July 2nd to July 5th, this 4-day working trip is never meant to be an end. As a faithful friend and a strong supporter of Xiamen Academy of International Law, Mr. CHENG is sure to meet us again.

Report by WANG Yuxiao, Photo by Zhong-Ding-Wen Studio