Geoffrey Sant, a partner in a law firm in the US, is one of the 26 Sinologists enrolled in this year’s program in Beijing. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

During the program, the Sinologists will have the chance to attend lectures and seminars by some of the most renowned Chinese writers and researchers, and meet Chinese scholars in the same areas to conduct research.

"If people of all nations, especially the young generation, can have a deeper and more objective understanding of each other, the world will have fewer problems," said Ding Wei, CMC's vice minister, during the program's opening ceremony. "We want to build a bridge of communication between Chinese and western culture."

"As the country's important think tank, CASS pays high attention to the research and development in Sinology and China Studies," said Zhang Jiang, deputy dean of CASS. "We will use our academic strength and resources to provide academic help to young Sinologists in various forms."

Zhang also said that he was impressed by the young Sinologists' understanding of China and hoped to explore other countries like the young Sinologists do.

Established in 1977, CASS is the premier academic organization and comprehensive research center in China in the fields of philosophy and social sciences.