As invited by the Center for American Studies, School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Institute of International Studies, and Shanghai Association of American Studies, Professor Joseph Nye of Harvard University participated in a symposium on "soft power and the theories of international relations" and gave a lecture on "American foreign policy and Sino-US relations" at the CAS on April 26, 2005.

In his lecture, Nye pointed out that the "9.11"demonstrated that some invisible factors in international relations in the 20th century has become visible, and also illuminated the speeding of the globalization, which includes ecological and biological changes rather than economical development. As for Sino-US relations, Nye refuted the pessimist China-threat Theories. As a optimist, Nye argues that the economic and military power of China should not be overrated, and that the rising soft power of China is beneficial to the rest of the world. He also pointed out the Purchasing Power Parity is sometimes less important than exchange rate, especially on mitary deals among countries. The pessimists, in his words, don't really understand the history and the economic figures of China. On the stability of East Asia, Nye deems that putting aside differences is the key factor.

Professor Ni Shixiong presided the lecture which was followed by series of questions from the floor on the Sino-US high level exchanges, Taiwan issue, nuclear power, soft power, multi-polarization, democracy and value as well as  nationalism, etc. Nye responded with optimism, convincing the audience that only if we all keep good things believed in mind can we prevent self-fulfilling prophesies from happening.