China through a looking glass, brightly

Zhang Guanzi uses the views of Harvard scholars and experts as a mirror to see China's image. The researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has reflected that image in his book, China in the Eyes of Harvard.

But why are the views of Harvard University scholars so important? Zhang says: "The results of research carried out at Harvard are the most likely to influence America's policy toward China The university's professors, who also serve as think tanks for the US government, have many different but remarkable insights into China."

Harvard is not only the world's top institution of higher learning, but also a strong base of Chinese studies. Not for nothing does the university hold at least one lecture or seminar on China every day and almost all its schools have China-related research or training programs. As a visiting scholar of Harvard Kennedy School, Zhang has felt this "China fever" firsthand.