The German Association of Chinese Studies (DVCS), based in Berlin, was founded in the spring of 1990 at the Humboldt University of Berlin, by scholars of Chinese studies. They aimed at promoting the development of Chinese studies in the former GDR (German Democratic Republic) by enforcing personal and academic exchange. By now, the DVCS considers itself an association of all scholars of Chinese studies from the entire German language area. Annual conferences contribute to the realization of this aim. They serve to present new research results and enable academic dialog between not only the members but also all persons interested in China. Special attention is paid to open a discussion forum for young sinological researchers as well as to offer an organizational umbrella for research projects and to enable publications. Since the XIII annual conference in 2002, the proceedings have been published by Harrassowitz.