5th China Studies Forum to focus on modernization

Four foreign experts recognized for achievements in China studies in 2010.

The 5th World Forum on China Studies, themed "China's Modernization: Roads and Prospects" will be held March 23-24 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

Founded in 2004, the forum is an international academic event co-sponsored by the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government. The high-end biennial forum is dedicated to reflecting on global challenges while fostering an informed understanding of China.

Around 450 overseas scholars from about 30 countries and more than 500 Chinese scholars, along with representatives of over 50 diplomatic missions and think-tanks have attended past forums. The discussions have been extensively covered by major international media.

At the 4th Forum in 2010, the Award for Contributions to China Studies was established. Winners that year included Jacques Gernet, formerly Deputy Administrator of Far East Institute, College of France; Philip A. Kuhn, Professor Emeritus of History and of East Asian Languages and Civilizations, Harvard University; Kazuko Mori, Professor Emeritus, Waseda University, Japan; and Igor Rogachev, Member of the Council of Federation, Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.