Sinology center to be hub of China studies

The recently launched World Sinology Center at the Beijing Language and Culture University in the West Coast New Area of Qingdao, Shandong province, is expected to become a new international hub of China studies.

As a cooperation project between the university and the government of the new area, the center will integrate advantageous resources from both sides, with Sinologists from more than 100 countries speaking 67 languages from the former, and the abundant resources of internationalized talent from the latter, said officials and experts at the center's launch ceremony on Aug 8.

Liu Limin, president of the China Education Association for International Exchange, said in a congratulatory letter to the launch of the center, that Qingdao mirrors China's opening-up policy and has a unique position in terms of cultural exchange.

With more than 200,000 alumni working or studying around the world, the Beijing Language and Culture University has prominent advantages in global Chinese education and the promotion of exchange between China and other cultures.

Wang Qingyuan, head of the Qingdao West Coast New Area, said in his speech at the launch ceremony that the center will be committed to contributing to help build a shared future for mankind, as well as promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding. It will also add lasting strength and stability to global academic cooperation.

Guy Alitto, a Sinologist from the United States and a professor at the University of Chicago, said in a video speech that a major dilemma facing the development of Sinology is the lack of motivation for research in remote countries.

The establishment of the center will provide impetus to open up a new horizon of research and bring traditional Chinese culture to the world, which is vital to the sustainable development of Sinology, he said.

The World Sinology Center features a knowledge center, a translation center, a research center, a writing center and a conference center, where experts from around the world will get to better understand China and tell its stories, and have a clearer understanding of Chinese culture, as well as of its ideological and spiritual charm, said Liu Li, president of the Beijing Language and Culture University.

A postdoctoral research station and the permanent site of the biennial World Congress of Sinologists were also unveiled at the ceremony.