Northeast Project (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)

The Northeast Project (simplified Chinese: 东北工程; traditional Chinese: 東北工程; pinyin: Dōngběi Gōngchéng), formally the "Series of Studies on the Historical Status and Development of the Northeast Border Areas" (simplified Chinese: 东北边疆历史与现状系列研究工程; traditional Chinese: 東北邊疆歷史與現狀系列研究工程; pinyin: Dōngběi Biānjiāng Lìshǐ Yǔ Xiànzhuàng Xìliè Yánjiū Gōngchéng), was a multi-year, multi-disciplinary academic research program launched in 2002 by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). It focused on the historical relationship between Northeast China (Dongbei) and the central government in China, as well as its relationship with neighboring regions, particularly the Korean Peninsula.

The project aimed to clarify the historical and contemporary situation of Northeast China, including issues related to its history, culture, and ethnic groups. It involved hundreds of scholars and researchers from various disciplines, including history, archaeology, ethnology, and law.

The Northeast Project has been controversial, particularly in South Korea. Critics argued that its interpretations of historical events, especially those related to the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo (Koguryo), were politically motivated and aimed at incorporating Korean history into Chinese history. They raised concerns that the project aimed to undermine Korean claims to Goguryeo heritage and territory and, by extension, to the Dokdo/Takeshima islands.

Chinese scholars defended the project as a legitimate academic endeavor to clarify historical facts and promote understanding of the region's history. They argued that their research was based on historical documents and archaeological findings and was not intended to deny Korean history or territorial claims.

The Northeast Project concluded in 2007, but its legacy continues to be debated and discussed in both China and South Korea. It remains a sensitive topic in the relations between the two countries.