Zhifei Li, is Professor of the National Institute of International Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

Prior to CASS, Li graduated from Peking University and Renmin University of China, got doctor degree in diplomacy. Dr. Li has been a senior visiting scholar at George Washington University in the United States, Frankfurt University in Germany, and Waseda University in Japan. Dr. Li is Secretary General of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies of CASS.

Dr. Li maintains expertise in non-traditional security research in the Asia-Pacific region including China's transboundary rivers issues, water resource security and conflict, transnational security. Her present research focuses on identifying ties between water security and conflict in Asia. Her most recent book is“Water Cooperation and Governance in Asia” (China Social Science Literature Press, 2022).