About the Center

The Armenia-China Research Center (ACRC) is an independent research platform dedicated to the study of China, Armenia-China relations, and the evolving role of China in the international system. The Center was founded by Vahan Grigoryan and Mary Knyazyan, whose academic, professional, and personal engagement with China spans more than sixteen years. Their experience includes long-term residence in China, higher education at Chinese universities, research on international affairs, and professional work related to China and cross-border cooperation. ACRC brings together scholars, former public officials, practitioners, and experts from Armenia, China, and other countries. Its International Advisory Board combines institutional memory, policy experience, and contemporary knowledge of China. Among its members, Gagik Harutyunyan played an important role in the early development of Armenia-China interstate relations, while Wang Liwei contributes extensive experience from within China’s institutional, business, and public environment. The Center focuses on four broad areas: China’s role in the global order, Armenia-China relations, the Belt and Road Initiative and the South Caucasus, and opportunities for economic, technological, and academic cooperation between Armenia and China. Through research, publications, expert dialogue, public discussion, and international cooperation, ACRC seeks to contribute to a deeper and more balanced understanding of China in Armenia and to promote informed, long-term engagement between the two countries. ACRC aims to serve as a bridge between Armenian and Chinese academic, policy, business, and expert communities, while remaining committed to analytical independence, intellectual openness, and evidence-based research.