The spring semester of the China - OECD LLM Programme on Taxation (COTP) has officially commenced, marking a new chapter in the pursuit of international tax law education. In the inaugural week, the spotlight was on Professor Cornelis van Raad from Leiden University's International Tax Centre in the Netherlands, who took the stage to teach "International Tax Treaty Law".

Renowned Professor at the Helm

Professor Cornelis van Raad brings a wealth of experience and expertise. He has served as a professor of international tax law at Leiden University and a consultant at Loyens & Loeff Law Firm. Currently, he is a board member of the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD) and a member of the OECD's International Tax Research Network Steering Group. With numerous publications on international tax treaties to his name and teaching stints at universities worldwide, this is his second teaching engagement with COTP students.

Comprehensive Course with Star - Studded Faculty

The six - week, 6 - credit "International Tax Treaty Law" course features an all - star teaching lineup. It includes professors from top - tier foreign law schools, OECD experts, domestic and international industry veterans, and professors from Xiamen University's Law School. The curriculum is designed to give students a firm grasp of international tax treaty concepts, the ins and outs of bilateral tax treaties based on the OECD and UN models, and how these treaties interact with domestic tax laws. Students are expected to be able to interpret and apply treaty provisions and solve real - world international tax issues.

In his first week of teaching, Professor van Raad's engaging style and in - depth analysis created a vibrant classroom atmosphere. His lectures, filled with real - world examples and in - depth discussions, were well - received by the students.

Forum Appearance Adds to Academic Vigor

On February 21, Professor Cornelis van Raad further contributed to the academic landscape by participating in the 10th International Tax Law Frontier Forum, hosted by Xiamen University's International Tax Law and Comparative Tax System Research Center and its Law School. He delivered a special lecture on "Cutting - edge Tax Issues in Cross - border Investment and Financing under the International Tax Reform Background", sparking lively discussions among the attendees.

About COTP

The COTP, a joint effort by Xiamen University, the State Taxation Administration of China, the Ministry of Finance of China, and the OECD, is a two - year, English - medium program. It aims to groom senior tax management professionals with a global perspective, in - depth knowledge of international tax law, and the ability to navigate the evolving international tax landscape.

[Article/Photos by Dong Xiaoqing]