On the afternoon of June 3, 2026,a delegation from the Law School of the University of Newcastle, Australia, visited Guanghua Law School, Zhejiang University, for an academic exchange with faculty members and students. The delegation was led by Professor Bin Li, Associate Dean of the Law School, together with Shaun McCarthy, Program Convenor of Newcastle School of Law and Justice's Practice Program , and 14 undergraduate students. The exchange focused on legal education in China and Australia, comparative legal systems, and contemporary issues in international law.
Upon arrival, the delegation toured the Law School under the guidance of Ms. Shuyue Pan, Secretary for International Affairs, and Ms. Zhe Lin, Student Affairs Secretary. During the visit, they learned about the history, distinctive features, and academic traditions of Guanghua Law School. The visiting faculty and students spoke highly of the School’s excellent learning environment and vibrant academic atmosphere.
The two sides then participated in a discussion session held in Conference Room 203 of the Main Building. At the beginning of the session, faculty and students from the University of Newcastle introduced key features of the Australian legal system, with particular attention to the common law tradition, the protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights, and recent developments in Australian family law reform. Topics such as the 2025 amendments to Australia’s Family Law Act concerning the ownership of pets in divorce proceedings, as well as the landmark Mabo case, generated considerable interest and lively discussion among participants. Students from Zhejiang University actively engaged in the conversation and explored similarities and differences between the legal systems of the two countries.
As part of the academic seminar session, Associate Professor Ying Bi of Guanghua Law School integrated the exchange into her graduate-level course and organized discussions on contemporary issues in international law. During the seminar, student Wang delivered a presentation entitled “Statehood and International Organization.” Drawing on the theoretical work of international law scholar Orfeas Chasapis Tassinis, the presentation examined academic debates concerning the relationship between states and international organizations. By comparing the views of Tassinis and scholars such as Christiane Ahlborn, the presentation explored the legal personality of international organizations, the sources of their rights and obligations, and their relationship with states within the framework of international law. Combining theoretical analysis with practical relevance, the presentation prompted active discussion and exchange among faculty members and students.
This visit marked the third exchange activity between the University of Newcastle Law School and Guanghua Law School. Building on the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two institutions, the event further strengthened mutual understanding and academic ties through seminars, classroom discussions, and cultural interaction. Looking ahead, both sides will continue to deepen student exchanges and academic collaboration, drawing on their existing partnership to cultivate legal professionals with a global perspective and strong cross-cultural communication skills.
