As a key component of the Contemporary China Studies Program, every semester students visit several government organizations, museums, research institutions, enterprises, and rural sites in order to gain a solid and applied understanding of contemporary China.

The first visit of this semester was to the China Aviation Museum. Opened in 1989 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, the exhibition includes over 200 airplanes as well weapons and other military equipment.

Students were guided by Professor Li Chen, instructor of the Asia-Pacific Security and Strategy Course, who provided great insights about the PLA’s development with a particular focus on the Cold War and the Korean War.