Discourse on China tends to be susceptible to emotional arguments and political developments, with information in the public domain often lacking in expert opinion or evidence. To combat this problem, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation has set up a dedicated facility for research on China based at The University of Tokyo. Recently expanded to include Keio and Waseda universities, the facility conducts joint research projects involving experts from industry and government as well as academia, and releases reports and updates. By facilitating interaction among researchers (both established and emerging) and industry figures within and outside Japan, the project pursues a multifaceted exploration of political developments in China and its influence in the wider world, producing reports and updates in language tailored to the general public.

Yoshiyuki Kobayashi