New Regionalism in Action: The CAMPUS Asia Initiative and Its Role in Global Higher Education Governance from China’s Perspective

In the context of globalisation, the regionalisation of higher education and global governance face numerous challenges, positioning regions as crucial hubs for coordinating global and local relations. This study analyses the CAMPUS Asia initiative through the lens of new regionalism from China’s perspective. Launched by China, Japan, and Republic of Korea, and expanded in 2021 to include ASEAN universities, the initiative aims to promote global peace, address challenges in higher education integration, and enhance internationalisation and competitiveness. The study examines the initiative’s operation through governance actors, structure, mechanisms, issues, and philosophy, highlighting its characteristics, operational logic, and contributions to global higher education governance within the framework of new regionalism. The discussion also addresses challenges and prospects, advocating for a shift from government-led to government-guided efforts, leveraging diverse actor participation, and advancing from mid-level to deep regionalisation through strengthened institutional support and diversified cooperation. The CAMPUS Asia initiative is a vital mechanism for fostering higher education exchanges in Asia and improving global higher education governance.