On Friday, 15 May 2026, the Centre for Historical Research on Intercivilisational Relations was formally opened at the Croatian Institute of History. The Centre is a joint research centre of the Croatian Institute of History and the Institute of Global and Area Studies of Capital Normal University in Beijing.
The Centre was established on the basis of the Cooperation Agreement signed by the two institutions in 2025, with the aim of further strengthening academic and cultural cooperation between Croatian and Chinese scholarly institutions. Its fundamental mission is to promote scholarly dialogue in the fields of historical research, education and international academic exchange.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Prof. Liang Zhanjun, Dean of the Institute of Global and Area Studies of Capital Normal University. Addresses were delivered by Dr Josip Mihaljević, Assistant Director of the Croatian Institute of History; Dr Domagoj Knežević, Special Advisor to the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and Senior Research Associate at the Croatian Institute of History; Prof. Cao Wenjun, Rector of Capital Normal University; and H. E. Qi Qianjin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Croatia. The addresses were followed by the ceremonial unveiling of the Centre’s plaque, an exchange of gifts and a group photograph.
The speeches emphasised that the establishment of the Centre creates an institutional framework for the development of joint research activities by Croatian and Chinese scholars. Particular attention will be devoted to historical experiences, cultural transfers and civilisational encounters, as well as to the relations of Croatia and Europe with Asia. The Centre will serve as a platform for joint research, the organisation of scholarly conferences, workshops and guest lectures, the exchange of researchers, teachers and students, and the preparation of joint scholarly publications. The first joint project was also announced: a publication marking the forthcoming 35th anniversary of Croatian-Chinese bilateral relations.
The opening of the Centre represents an important step in deepening cooperation between the Croatian Institute of History and Capital Normal University, as well as in developing a broader scholarly dialogue on the history of intercivilisational relations, cultural exchanges and global interconnectedness.
