International Studies Center (ISC), in the capacity of the Global Center for Mekong Studies (GCMS) Thailand Center and co-chair for GCMS, was invited to attend the 7^th GCMS Think Tank Forum, jointly organised by China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) and Yunnan University, in conjunction with the 15^th Southwest (Xi Nan) Forum, on 24-25 October 2024.

The event was opened by remarks of Professor Ma Wenhui, President of Yunnan University. Dr. Liu Qing, Vice President and Senior Research Fellow, CIIS and Dr. Anuson Chinvanno, Director of ISC also made opening remarks. The Forum discussed three main themes, namely “New Development of Regionalism Theory and the Construction of Regional/Country Studies”, “New Situation, New Opportunities and New Impetus of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation” and “Direction and Paths for Jointly Advancing Three Global Initiatives in the Lancang-Mekong Region”. The closing remarks were given by Mr. Liang Jianjun, Deputy Director General, Department of Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, followed by Dr. Liu Qing, Dr. Anuson Chinvanno and Professor Lu Guangsheng, Dean, Institute of International Relations, Lancang-Mekong Subregion Research Center, Yunnan University.

During the Forum, Dr. Krongkwan Traitongyoo, ISC Senior Analyst, made a presentation on “Prospects for Development Cooperation in the Mekong Subregion”. Mr. Seksan Anantasirikiat, ISC Senior Researcher, shared his views on “In Search of New Regionalism: A Public Diplomacy Perspective”.

Approximately 80 participants, including representatives of GCMS Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam Centers, and Chinese scholars engaging with research work on Mekong-Lancang Cooperation and Southeast Asia, attended the event.