On 26 March 2016, Ma Zhengang, distinguished research fellow at China Institute of International Studies and former Chinese Ambassador to the U.K., and Wu Sike, Chinese Special Envoy on the Middle East Issue, visited the NISCSS. They had an in-depth discussion with the NISCSS staff on topics such as opportunities and challenges facing China's diplomatic policy with its neighboring countries, the situation in the Middle East and China's Middle East policy.

NISCSS President Wu Shicun chaired the discussion.