Training Program on “The Political Economy of China and its Role in the World”

University of Tokyo – Harvard-Yenching Institute Joint Training Program

June 13-17, 2026

Program rationale

This program aims to provide young researchers with a comprehensive understanding of China’s political economy and its global implications. Our objective is to explore the complexities of China’s economic growth under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, which presents unique challenges to conventional social science theories due to the combination of its political system and economic dynamism. This requires an examination of the intricate interactions between various political and economic factors. In addition, as China continues to grow in global influence, its role in the international political economy becomes increasingly important. In light of the recent economic slowdown, examining the current system’s strengths and challenges offers significant opportunities for further research.

Despite the growing significance and interest in China’s political economy, young researchers have lacked a dedicated venue for meeting and discussion. This program aims to bridge that gap. Tokyo serves as an ideal location for this initiative, offering a unique perspective and environment. Furthermore, The University of Tokyo offers an accessible location for students and researchers in Asia to participate in the program.

The program is structured into three components: lecture, presentation, and networking.

• First, the program offers lectures that are theoretical, empirical, and practical, enabling participants to thoroughly understand the mechanisms underlying China’s status.
• Second, participants have the opportunity to present their proposed research projects and receive feedback from program chairs, faculty members, and fellow participants.
• Third, the program facilitates various networking

Program Date: June 13th-17th, 2026

Program chairs

• David Yang, Professor, Department of Economics, Harvard University, and Director of the Center for History and Economics at Harvard
• Tomoko Shiroyama, Professor, Graduate School of Economics, The University of Tokyo
• Asei Ito, Associate Professor, The Institute of Social Science, The University of Tokyo

Confirmed lecturers: David Yang (Harvard University), Noam Yuchtman (London School of Economics), Hanming Fang (The University of Pennsylvania), Michael Song (Chinese University of Hong Kong), Nancy Qian (Northwestern University), Shaoda Wang (University of Chicago), Wei Xiong (Princeton University)

Venue: Hongo Campus, The University of Tokyo, Japan

Working language: English

Host institute: The University of Tokyo (Tokyo College, Graduate School of Economics, and the Institute of Social Science)

Eligible applicants

• Eligible candidates should either be currently pursuing a Ph.D. at an Asia-based institution or Asia-based young scholars who received their Ph.D. degree after 2020.
• Our summer program in 2026 focuses on economics. While having or pursuing a Ph.D. in economics is desirable, we also welcome applicants from related fields including political science and China studies who possess knowledge of economics and empirical methods.
• To make the HYI’s Asia-based training program available to as many young scholars as possible, former HYI training program participants are not eligible to apply.
• A very small number of Ph.D. students and junior faculty members affiliated with institutions outside Asia may be recruited to participate; however, they will not be eligible to apply for the Harvard-Yenching Institute fellowship opportunity.

Application process

Prospective applicants should submit their applications to todai-hyi-2026@iss.u-tokyo.ac.jp no later than December 31st, 2025.

Your application packet should comprise the following:

• The completed application form (Google Docs link, or download here [Word doc]
• One page of statement of interest
• A writing sample
• One recommendation letter from your academic advisor (for Ph.D. candidates) [the letter can be sent directly to the above email, separate from the application package]

Selection Procedure: A selection committee will review all submissions. The final selection is scheduled to be announced by January 31, 2026. Only selected applicants will be informed by email.

Application Fee: Free
Participation Fee: Free

International participants will need to manage their own visa application and round-trip airfare.

The University of Tokyo (Tokyo College) will supply any required documents to support visa applications. Additionally, the organizers will bear the expenses related to accommodation, lunch, and local transportation for all participants during the duration of the program.

Opportunities after completion of the 2026 program

• HYI fellowship opportunities: Upon the conclusion of the program, the Harvard-Yenching Institute will offer opportunities for a very small number of selected trainees to be awarded a Harvard-Yenching Institute fellowship for a one-year research stay at Harvard University during the 2027-2028 academic year.
• Institute of Social Science, the University of Tokyo visitor: In addition to the HYI fellowship, the Institute of Social Science, the University of Tokyo can host 1 visiting fellow (self-funded, up to 12 months) after the completion of the program.

Structure of program

(1) Lecture: Lectures include the following topics:

• China’s historical development
• Domestic economy and political conditions
• How China engages the world

(2) Presentation: The program is also designed for participants to develop or deepen the research project through close interactions with the program chairs and faculty members. Upon completion, participants are expected to make at least one individual presentation and get feedback from the program chairs, faculty, and other participants.

(3) Networking: According to the organizer’s interviews with past program participants, networking opportunities are among the top needs for trainees. To facilitate collaborations that extend beyond the duration of the program, we design and prepare necessary time slots for networking as well as practical arrangements on the ground (such as rotation of meeting seating).