CHINA’S quiet emergence as a new economic, political and perhaps even military power in recent years has caused a ripple among countries the world over. All of a sudden, there is renewed interest in China – in forging economic and diplomatic ties as well as strategic alliances. Not to be left out, research and higher education institutions have also displayed an increased interest in China and Chinese studies.
Universiti Malaya’s Institute of China Studies (ICS) for one was set up earlier this year as a research centre and policy advisor to the government, the corporate centre and the diplomatic corps on issues relating to culture, business and politics as well as economic, strategic and bilateral relations.
