Beijing, September 19, 2025 —The Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding, Peking University (iGCU) has been selected as a “2025 AMI Think Tank” in the China Think Tank Comprehensive Evaluation, organized by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Evaluation Studies (CASS Evaluation Studies). In addition, its case study “From Practice to Insight: China-U.S. Youth Elite Exchange Program” was recognized as a Featured Case in the Decade Review of New-Type Think Tank Development with Chinese Characteristics. The announcement was made at the 8th China Think Tank Construction and Evaluation Summit Forum, held at the Chinese Academy of History in Beijing.
The China Think Tank Comprehensive Evaluation Project (AMI), launched in 2016 and conducted every four years, is among the most authoritative national think tank assessments. It evaluates institutions on attractiveness, management capacity, and influence, aiming to highlight strong, distinctive, and impactful think tanks as well as exemplary practices. The 2025 cycle attracted nearly 1,000 applicants nationwide, with 558 institutions selected and 65 cases recognized. iGCU’s recognition underscores its role as a leading platform for People-to-People exchange and policy innovation.
A centerpiece of iGCU’s work, the “Understanding China—China-U.S. Youth Elite Exchange Program” was established under the 5th China-U.S. High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange as a flagship initiative. Each year, it brings about 10 young American leaders from sectors including politics, business, energy, and education to China for a three-week program. Participants attend seminars in Beijing, conduct field studies in two to three additional cities, and conclude with a symposium in Shanghai. Since its inception, 44 U.S. fellows have taken part, strengthening dialogue between future leaders of both nations.
The 2024 program played a pivotal role in implementing President Xi Jinping’s commitment to invite 50,000 American youths to China over five years. Organized by the China Education Association for International Exchange and hosted by iGCU, it launched in Beijing on June 15, 2024. That year’s program welcomed eight Eisenhower Fellows from diverse professional fields, including education, agriculture, healthcare, media, and women’s leadership.
Over one month, the fellows visited nearly 150 institutions across major Chinese cities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Development Research Center of the State Council, Peking University, and enterprises such as NIO. They explored topics ranging from artificial intelligence in education and healthcare to sustainable urban planning and cultural innovation. This intensive program provided the fellows with deeper, more authentic insights into China’s politics, economy, and society, turning cultural exchange into a substantive dialogue shaping future U.S.-China relations and global cooperation.
The Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding, Peking University (iGCU, PKU)—formerly the Peking University Institute for China-U.S. People-to-People Exchange—was approved by China’s Ministry of Education and is hosted by Peking University. It integrates teaching, research, policy consultation, and talent training as a new-type think tank with Chinese characteristics. Currently, it is the university’s only comprehensive think tank on People-to-People exchanges designated by the Ministry of Education. iGCU contributes to China’s “Ten Mechanisms for People-to-People Exchange” and serves as a hub for advancing academic and cultural dialogue worldwide.
iGCU has earned broad recognition for its research and exchange initiatives. In 2021, it ranked 76th globally and 17th among Chinese think tanks in the University of Pennsylvania’s Global Go To Think Tank Index Report, under the “Top 100 Think Tanks in Major Asian Countries (China, India, Japan, South Korea).” That same year, its case study “Public Diplomacy and People-to-People Exchange Amid Great Power Competition: The Responsibility, Role, and Innovation of University Think Tanks” was recognized in the China Think Tank Comprehensive Evaluation as a Featured Case in Public Diplomacy.
From 2022 to 2024, iGCU consecutively received top honors from the China Think Tank Index (CTTI), including the Benchmark Case Award for Best Cases and the Special Prize for Outstanding Achievements.
By combining academic rigor with global engagement, iGCU continues to position itself as a bridge for international cooperation. Its recognition as a 2025 AMI Think Tank and its leadership in the China-U.S. Youth Elite Exchange Program underscore its mission: to deepen mutual understanding, foster dialogue across cultures, and contribute to building a community with a shared future.
Subscription
