Why universities must invest in China studies

Today, many of America's best young Sinologists are forgoing academia and instead choosing more lucrative careers in government or the private sector – working for select audiences on specific topics – writes Joshua Eisenman for US News.

China's newfound economic and geopolitical clout has drawn the attention of countless government agencies, think-tanks, NGOs and consulting firms that compete with each other for the best Sinologists. This growing market-driven demand for China expertise comes just as many US academic institutions are seeking to inject new vitality into their contemporary Chinese politics research.

This might come as a surprise. China studies is thriving at the undergraduate and masters levels where more students than ever are studying the country's language, history, politics, and international relations. But if they are to remain on top, American universities will need to train a new crop of China scholars and attract them away from more lucrative and plentiful opportunities in the government and consulting sectors.
Full report on the US News site