China Focus: Sinology gains momentum in academic circles

SHANGHAI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Scholars attending a key forum in Shanghai have discussed new branches of China studies, as academic interest in the country grows.

The 7th Forum on China Studies themed "China In a New Era" was held in Shanghai Sunday and Monday.

The forum is dedicated to reflecting upon global challenges while fostering informed understanding between China and the rest of the world. This year's event drew 180 scholars from over 30 countries and regions.

The forum addressed innovation, the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Governance and "a community with a shared future for mankind."

Wu Li, deputy director of the Institute of Contemporary Studies, said he had a great deal of discussion with other attendees.

"I wrote an article on the needs and challenges of China building an innovation-oriented country, and many other scholars have also expounded on the topic. There is a great deal of interest in the path China has undertaken," he said.

The Belt and Road Initiative was one of the most common ideas to appear in papers submitted to the forum.

"China's massive infrastructure development and financing under the initiative are taking place in the midst of cultural diversity, sprawling trans-border geographical locations and a rich historical perspective," said Tan Khee Giap of the National University of Singapore.

In his paper, he explained the opportunities, challenges and implications of the initiative.

Global governance, a concept much in the thoughts of Chinese leaders, was also discussed at the forum.

"China's positive contribution to international governance gives hope that the new challenges globalization is confronted with will find ways for eventual amelioration and resolution," said Hasan Javed Syed from the National University of Science and Technology of Pakistan.

"China could help solve problems such as widespread double standards in international relations, injustice, civilization conflicts, political disputes, environment degradation, and climate change challenges," he said.

"Chinese ideas and experience of economic globalization, non-politicization, reform and opening-up can be highly relevant in reforming the world order," said Zhang Weiwei, a professor at Fudan University.

Founded in 2004, the Forum on China studies has convened 10 times. Enditem