On September 21, more than 140 Belgian law students completed an eleven-day legal exchange program in Shanghai, coinciding with a remarkable year of anniversaries: KU Leuven’s 600th year, Fudan University’s 120th anniversary, and five decades of China-EU diplomatic relations.
The inaugural Fudan-Leuven Chinese Law Summer Program offered participants an intensive introduction to Chinese law through academic study and site visits.
The academic curriculum covered fundamental aspects of Chinese law, including constitutional law, trust law, commercial arbitration, and legal culture. Students complemented their studies with cultural activities, including Tai Chi and traditional Han Chinese clothing experiences.
Tai Chi Experience
At Xuhui District’s “Smart Court”, students experienced firsthand how digital technology and artificial intelligence are transforming judicial practices in China. The visit included the civil court for family disputes, showcasing innovative designs that symbolize family harmony.
A Visit to Xuhui District People's Court
The program also included visits to the Shanghai International Arbitration Center and the Museum of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China. During a visit to the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress, participants explored policy responses to contemporary challenges, including aging populations, youth employment, and AI’s impact on the workforce.
A Visit to the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress
A Visit to the Shanghai International Arbitration Center
A Visit to the Museum of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China
In Shuxin Town, Chongming District, the program examined rural governance structures and sustainable agricultural development strategies.
A Visit to Xianqiao Village, Shuxin Town, Chongming District
KU Leuven law student Kareena Khara was impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and efficient judicial processes at the Xuhui District People’s Court, particularly noting how China’s legal system integrates family and national interests in its approach to justice.
Florian Pollefeyt, a doctoral law student at KU Leuven, noted the distinctive features of China’s legal system, particularly its integration into social governance and innovative court procedures.
Program volunteer and Fudan law student CHEN Nuo highlighted how the exchange fostered mutual understanding between Chinese and Belgian participants.
Former KU Leuven Law Faculty Dean Bernard Tilleman expressed the hope to facilitate the expansion of the partnership, aiming to increase student exchanges and academic collaboration between the institutions.
Fudan Law School Dean Du Yu stressed the school’s commitment to expanding international partnerships in Chinese law education, expressing enthusiasm for future collaboration with KU Leuven and other international institutions.
Lectures by law experts
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This program exemplifies Fudan Law School’s broader strategy of global engagement, which includes partnerships with 70 global institutions. Committed to promoting the study of China’s legal history, culture, and developments among international students, the Law School continues to expand its programs to enhance understanding of China’s legal landscape.
The initiative aligns with Shanghai’s development as an international legal and business hub while promoting cross-cultural legal dialogue and contributing to global governance through educational exchange.
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Writer: WANG Mengqi
Editor: LI Yijie
