From October 10 to 12, 2024, the "Argumentation in the 21st Century" International Academic Symposium was held at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. Centered on the theme "Challenges Facing Humanity, Society, and Culture," the event brought together 43 distinguished scholars of argumentation studies from over ten countries, including Portugal, Spain, the United States, Uruguay, and China. Prof. Wu Peng, Dean of the Overseas Education College (OEC) of Jiangsu University (JSU), was invited to attend and deliver a keynote speech.

In his speech titled "Analysis and Interpretation of the ‘Appeal to Ignorance’ Argumentation by Spokespersons of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China," Prof. Wu introduced the major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era. Drawing upon perspectives from pragma-dialectics, he examined the institutional context of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China’s press conferences and meticulously analyzed the diverse applications of the "appeal to ignorance" argumentative move by ministry spokespersons during press exchanges. He further elucidated the strategic design of these argumentative maneuvers within their real-world discursive contexts. Prof. Wu also responded to those prevalent misinterpretations and misconceptions regarding Chinese diplomatic discourse within European and American academic circles by analyzing representative case studies.

During the symposium, Prof. Frans van Eemeren, the founder and current editor-in-chief of the esteemed international journal Argumentation, convened a special session to announce that Prof. Wu Peng will assume the role of Executive Editor-in-Chief of the journal on January 1, 2025. In this capacity, Prof. Wu will lead over twenty editorial board members worldwide in presiding over the journal’s daily operations. Representing the incoming editorial committee, he unveiled a five-year strategic plan for Argumentation, emphasizing dual commitments to "upholding academic integrity" and "fostering innovation." He highlighted the journal’s forthcoming "Argumentation+" Young Theorist Mentoriship Program aimed at nurturing emerging scholars.

Hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Coimbra, the symposium stood as a premier academic gathering in the global argumentation studies community. Prominent scholars including Frans van Eemeren, Scott Jacobs, Bart Garssen, Isabela Fairclough, Hubert Marraud, and Scott Aikin participated in the event and delivered keynote addresses.