Themed at “China in a New Era”, the 7th World Forum on China Studies kicked off at Shanghai International Convention Center on December 10.

Jointly organized by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and the Information Office of Shanghai Municipality, the event attracted renowned sinologists from 34 countries and regions.

The two-day event included a general session, roundtable meetings and special panels where participants shared their thoughts and ideas on China's development and academic achievements.

Kevin Rudd, former Australian prime minister, president of the Asia Society Policy Institute

Kevin Rudd, former Australian prime minister, president of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) in a keynote speech suggested that in the background of China’s uprising in the past 35 years, a new sinology genre should be set up to create a more influential new sinology. According to Kevin Rudd, the new sinology is expected to express the core concept of China to the world and through informationintegration and analysis to form an overall outlook of China.

Founded in 2004, the biennial forum provides an academic platform for the China studies field and aims to foster a better understanding between China and the world.