China has grown rapidly in influence and ability to act in the international arena. That means it faces bigger, tougher and ever more urgent challenges. Therefore, there is a growing need for more high quality think tanks which can offer solutions to these challenges by mining the wisdom in the broader society.

There are already many research institutes of all types in China, with varying qualities. Those in the economic field, for instance, have years of experience working together effectively with policymaking bodies. But those in the field of international politics and strategy lag somewhat in capacity. Their way of organization and operation are not very well geared towards the needs of modern decision-making in China and are not able to attract top notch people.

Over the past two years, President Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized the need to build new types of think tanks and to institutionalize policy consultation, which he regards as part of the endeavor to promote China's soft power and modernize its governance structure. In his address to the Boao Forum for Asia in March, he proposed the formation of "networks of exchanges and cooperation among think-tanks," aimed at raising their global vision and influence.

International strategic decision-making reflects and is an extension of a country's fundamental political principles and policies. For China, that means a strategy that follows the leadership of the Communist Party and serves the national interests. At the same time, Chinese think tanks must be independently minded and objective in their analysis — seeking truth from facts — if their contribution is to be of sound use to policymakers.

Think tanks focused on strategic issues should not only be able to play a greater role advising policymaking, but also play a key role in articulating and explaining those policies to the general public in order to help build consensus in the society at large.

Further, they must be able to communicate with an international audience and engage in strategic dialogues with counterparts elsewhere in the world.

"China's think tanks must be able to communicate with an international audience and engage in strategic dialogues with counterparts elsewhere in the world."

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