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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Confucius Institutes are often seen simply as instruments of Beijing. My new Open Access article in Critical Asian Studies shows why that is too simplistic: Chinese partner universities have their own interests, agency, and priorities. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

tandfonline.com

Not for Soft Power: Chinese Universities Behind Confucius Institutes

Published in Critical Asian Studies (Ahead of Print, 2026)

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Delighted to share my perspective on Hong Kong's role in Belt and Road cultural exchange with South China Morning Post SCMP. Physical road may connect places on a map, but it's a deeper human infrastructure that ensures people, ideas, and institutions keep using it. www.scmp.com/special-repo...

scmp.com

Hong Kong’s push for human infrastructure beyond ports and railways

Beyond physical trade routes, the city’s museums, universities and orchestras are cultivating the personal relationships needed to sustain international cooperation.

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Delighted to share that my new book, Memoirs of a Confucius Institute Director, Volume 2: Global China Shaped by Local Realities, is now available for pre-order. Forthcoming from Springer Nature. Pre-order here: link.springer.com/book/9789819...

link.springer.com

Memoirs of a Confucius Institute Director, Volume 2

This open access book offering an insider account of Confucius Institutes, showing how local contexts shape operations and global China engagement

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Reposted by Jinghan (Michael) Zeng

Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Delighted to share our new paper: Scientific Collaboration in the Age of AI Geopolitics: Governing Openness Under Strategic Competition. The paper is open access onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Politics & Policy | PSO Policy Research Journal | Wiley Online Library

Artificial intelligence (AI) is intensifying geopolitical competition while deepening scientific interdependence. Amid the global AI race, governments increasingly restrict technological exchange to ...

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Hong Kong isn’t just one thing. My new op-ed at South China Morning Post makes the case for four pillars: finance, education, tech, and—above all—global governance. A multi-dimensional future starts with a multi-dimensional identity. www.scmp.com/opinion/hong...

scmp.com

Opinion | 4 ways Hong Kong can shape its future – and the world’s

By focusing on its foundational and emerging strengths, as well as its global potential, the city can adapt to a world in flux.

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

With the resignation of British prime minister Keir Starmer once again highlighting the volatility of British politics, my latest op-ed in FTChinese argues that China should adopt a more transactional approach towards whoever occupies 10 Downing Street next. www.ftchinese.com/story/001110...

ftchinese.com

政局动荡的诅咒再次笼罩伦敦：中国应以交易思维重构对英关系

曾敬涵：面对一个政治周期不断缩短的英国，中国需要更成熟的风险管理，构建能够穿越领导人更替周期的利益安排。

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

📢 Hiring! My home department of Public and International Affairs is recruiting at all levels—from Assistant to Chair Professor—in: • Comparative politics • International relations • Political economy & governance • Philosophy • Urban studies

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

My latest article, “Rethinking Confucius Institutes as Chinese Organizations: A Local Director’s Observations,” has now been published in The China Review. Open access muse.jhu.edu/article/990943

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

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Reposted by Jinghan (Michael) Zeng

Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Delighted to share my new open-access article: “ChatGPT as a Security Threat: US–China Security Dilemma in the Generative AI Race.” Read here: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...

journals.sagepub.com

Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Delighted to share my new open-access article: “ChatGPT as a Security Threat: US–China Security Dilemma in the Generative AI Race.” Read here: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...

journals.sagepub.com

Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

In my latest op-ed for @scmpnews.bsky.social, I argue that Hong Kong should pursue a clear strategy to position itself as a global hub for international relations and global governance. Now is the time to define its role on the world stage. www.scmp.com/opinion/hong...

scmp.com

Opinion | It’s time to unlock Hong Kong’s international relations potential

Globally connected and intellectually vibrant, the city can offer cutting-edge research and lead diplomatic debates of global importance.

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

Thrilled to share my latest article, “China’s Confucius Institutes without headquarters: an insider’s perspective” 🎉 @thirdworldq.bsky.social It explores how the dissolution of Confucius Institute Headquarters and the transition towards a new model. open access 🔗 www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

tandfonline.com

China’s Confucius Institutes without headquarters: an insider’s perspective

As the incubator of all Confucius Institutes, the Confucius Institute Headquarters (CIH) was once among the most influential cultural and language organisations in the world. Yet the impact of its ...

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I’m looking forward to giving a book talk at The University of Hong Kong, where I will reflect on my six years experience as a Confucius Institute Director during a period of significant geopolitical challenges. Book link link.springer.com/book/10.1007...

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Delighted to share my reflections on serving as a Confucius Institute Director on the Sinopinion podcast hosted by the Tsinghua University Center for International Security and Strategy. The podcast can be accessed here podcasts.apple.com/hk/podcast/a...

podcasts.apple.com

An Insider’s View on Confucius Institute

Podcast Episode · Sinopinion · 26 February · 52m

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Delighted to deliver my book talk,“Untold Realities of Confucius Institutes,” online at @camgeopolitics.bsky.social generously hosted by @wjhurst.bsky.social The full video of this talk is now available on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9mY...

youtube.com

Untold Realities of Confucius Institutes: A Director’s Memoirs

YouTube video by Centre for Geopolitics

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

📢 The Traditional Chinese edition of my Memoirs of a Confucius Institute Director is now out. This edition is updated and expanded from the English version and specifically tailored for readers in Asia, especially Hong Kong. 🔗 Book link: www.cityu.edu.hk/upress/contr...

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Delighted to join this programme to discuss Keir Starmer’s visit to China and its implications for UK–China relations. Timely conversations like this are essential as both sides explore pathways toward a more stable and constructive relationship. youtu.be/rvoeZB5Rhpc

youtu.be

A New Chapter? What Starmer's China Visit Means for China-UK Relations

YouTube video by CGTN Europe

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Delighted to speak at this programme during the British Prime Minister’s visit to China, and to share my personal story of leading a UK–China cooperation project over the past six years. www.gingerriver.com/p/jinghan-ze...

gingerriver.com

Jinghan Zeng on the controversy and reality of Confucius Institutes and China–UK relations

Listen now | Ep. 22 - Memoirs of a Confucius Institute Director

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

In this interview with HK01, we review U.S.–China relations in 2025 and discuss a wide range of key issues shaping the bilateral relationship, including AI, the trade war, Taiwan, and the prospects for a G2 framework. www.hk01.com/%E4%B8%96%E7...

hk01.com

2025回顧｜中美貿易戰如「過山車」起跌　半導體VS稀土終平分秋色

2025年對中美兩國而言，相信是殊不平靜的一年。自美國總統特朗普（Donald Trump）二度入主白宮以來，他不但對中國瘋狂大加關稅，還在AI、半導體等

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Delighted to share my recent interview with the South China Morning Post on how Jimmy Lai’s conviction may affect China–UK relations and Keir Starmer’s planned visit to Beijing. amp.scmp.com/news/china/d...

amp.scmp.com

How will Jimmy Lai’s conviction affect China-UK ties, Starmer’s planned visit?

Outcome of ex-media tycoon’s Hong Kong trial poses stern test for Labour government’s balancing act with Beijing, observers say.

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

📢 Call for Papers | Special Issue at the Cambridge Forum on Technology and Global Affairs: We are pleased to announce a call for papers for our upcoming special issue on “Governing AI-Mediated Speech in Comparative Perspective.” www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

cambridge.org

Governing AI-Mediated speech in comparative perspective

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

Looking forward to speaking at this forum in Turkey to share my views on the risks of the global AI race and the crucial importance of international AI governance.

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Come and join us at the Centre for China Studies & CUHK Faculty of Arts, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, for a book talk on Global China: A Critique of Chinese and Western Narratives by the brilliant Tim Summers, published by Bristol University Press and Policy Press.

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BJPIR @bjpir.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

📣 New #BJPIR article out now! 'ChatGPT as a security threat: US–China security dilemma in the generative AI race' by @jinghanzeng.bsky.social 🔗 buff.ly/WOjeJW8 @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

During my UK trip last week, I shared some reflections on the growing hawkish push in London to “disengage” from China. While concerns about China are understandable, sentiment without strategy can be dangerous. amp.scmp.com/opinion/worl...

amp.scmp.com

Opinion | A post-Brexit Britain in decline cannot afford to alienate China

Brexit showed sentiment without strategy ends in decline. London risks a repeat by letting anti-Beijing posturing dictate policy.

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

This paper was in development for two years before DeepSeek's arrival. It's a challenge to keep pace with the breakneck speed of AI, but fortunately, the key argument has stood the test of time and is even supported by the latest tech. Thrilled to finally share it.

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Very glad to share my latest article “ChatGPT as a Security Threat: US–China Security Dilemma in the Generative AI Race,” just published in British Journal of Politics and International Relations. Read it journals.sagepub.com/eprint/A6ATG...

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

My take on the Xi–Trump meeting: they’ve just revived the ghost of the G2. Trump’s seemingly offhand remark signals the return — at least rhetorically — of an idea once rejected by both Washington and Beijing. thediplomat.com/2025/10/trum...

thediplomat.com

Trump and Xi Revive the Ghost of the G2

A seemingly offhand remark from Trump signals the return – at least rhetorically – of an idea once proposed and dismissed by both Washington and Beijing.

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Glad to share my comments on the #Trump -Xi meeting in South Korea with @NBCNews An important step toward de-escalating tensions between the US and China but it alone cannot resolve their political differences nor address the deeper structural roots of their tensions www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/u...

nbcnews.com

U.S. and China hope to make progress on tariffs as Trump and Xi meet in South Korea

President Donald Trump has sounded upbeat about the meeting with Xi Jinping, which is also expected to focus on fentanyl and rare-earth minerals, saying: "We want to make a deal."

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

🌍 Excited to Kick Off My European Talk Tour! ✈️ This Wednesday, I’ll be heading to Europe for a series of talks in Turin, Berlin, Oxford, and Cardiff. This is a special milestone for me—my first return to Europe not as a Europe-based academic, but as an Asia-based scholar.

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 25/10/2025

Pekingnology has published excerpts from my book, highlighting the section where I address and dismiss the allegation that Confucius Institutes are involved in espionage and intelligence gathering. Quite timely given the UK’s debate on “China spying” cases www.pekingnology.com/p/jinghan-ze...

pekingnology.com

Jinghan Zeng's Memoirs of a Confucius Institute Director

The first insider memoir from a Confucius Institute director during a time of growing global controversy chronicles an award-winning journey facing existential and political challenges

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Jinghan (Michael) Zeng @jinghanzeng.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

On 3 November 2025, I will deliver a talk in Berlin on “Security Dilemma and the US–China Generative AI Race”, based on one of my forthcoming papers. The event will be held in person with an option to join online. Registration link: berlincontemporarychinanetwork.org/events/detai...

berlincontemporarychinanetwork.org

Security Dilemma and US-China Generative AI race

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Reposted by Jinghan (Michael) Zeng

Jane Hayward @drjanehayward.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

“If we are honest about Britain’s place in the global strategic landscape today, the idea that it is a prime espionage target stretches credulity.”

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