About Us

What's going on

We are pleased to announce that our first issue of Journal of Washington Institute of China Studies was published in the Spring 2006.

This issue opens up with in overview of reform in China and the difficulties China faces in achieving it. The author introduces a new concept in public administration, that of “pathological government”. Because this concept has a negative connotation of governmental performance most public administration journals do not care to touch it. But it remains more real in the 21st century than “market failure” which has been since the latter half of the 20th century a rationalization for expanding the role of government and spending more taxpayer’s money in pursuit of buying votes and staying in power. This journal will keep the concept of “pathological government” on our agenda in future editions.

Two articles deal with reform of state owned enterprises (SOE). SOE reform along with reform of the banking system and tax policy, and the pillars of a welfare state, social security, unemployment compensation, medical care and how to finance these programs remain the major issues facing Chinese reformers of the next generation. An example of the size of this problem in China is that in 20-25 years China’s over 65 year old population will equal the entire US population. With 50% of the Chinese population still being peasants with annual incomes around $1000 per year, the opportunities to simply tax people to support the welfare state is not a viable option.

Other articles deal with current issues in China – counterfeit goods and sustainable development. The effects of US-Japanese relations and their impact in China is the topic of another article. Of business interest is an article on foreign direct investment in China and the government’s attempts to spread the benefits of such investment from China’s East Coast across the less advanced portions of the country.

Finally, an article raises the ethical question of US willingness to repatriate 14,000 Chinese prisoners in the Korean War back to China against their will. The impasse over this issue lasted one year and a half during which time the US suffered some 125,000 casualties. What price freedom?

We would like to thank the board of directors for the continuous support. We also appreciate the work of the edit team for their wonderful work, especially Production Editor & Cover Designer: Jianping He, Logo Editor, Brian Aburano, Associate Editor: Hongfei Zhong, and Website Manager: Zheng Li.

Subsequent issues of the journal are all included in the website.

Missions

To promote the advancement of education, research, and instruction in and pertaining to China, in academic subjects such as public administration, economics, sociology, psychology, computer studies, and the sciences, and by educational seminars and cultural exchanges.

To pursue charitable purposes and fighting economic distress by fostering and providing Chinese translations of educational and training materials and instruction in the aforementioned academic subjects as well as business and governmental study topics such as public administration, political science, business planning, budgeting, accounting and marketing;

To otherwise promote the advancement of education by sponsoring, supporting, and conducting research, publishing, and instruction to promote an understanding of governmental administration and economic principles and practices in and for China, and throughout the world.

To foster mutual understanding and long term coorperation between China and the west.

To demonstrate to western readers the advance China has made toward greater freedom for its citizens in all aspects of life.

Programs

We have three programs:

  • We are publishing a research journal – Journal of Washington Institute of China Studies.
  • We also conduct academic activities to promote the research and study of China.
  • We will promote conference on topics of interest to U.S. and China.

Officers

Board of Directors:

  • Major William Lang, USAF Retired, President, Moors & Cabot, Financial Advisors, LLc, Lang Division
  • Dr. James Howard, Professor, University of Maryland, University College
  • Lt Gen William Maloney, USMC Retired, former President, the Army & Navy Club, Washington D.C.
  • Dr. Bernard T. Pitsvada, Professor Emeritus, the George Washington University
  • Maj. Gen. Bruce Jacobs, USA, Retired, Board of Advisors, the Army Historical Foundation
  • Mr. Mark Michalski, Doctoral Student, Jagillonian University, Krakow, Poland.

Officers:

  • President: Dr. Bernard T. Pitsvada, Professor Emeritus, the George Washington University
  • Treasurer / Secretary: Hongfei Zhong, CPA