NEW HEAD: Qu Xing, President of the China Institute of International Studies, is elected the new president of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association on August 23 (SHI GANG)

The China Arms Control and Disarmament Association (CACDA) held its third national congress in Beijing on August 23. Qu Xing, President of the China Institute of International Studies, was elected the association's new president.

The CACDA organizes and coordinates research, seminars and workshops concerning issues of arms control, disarmament, nonproliferation and international security.

Founded in August 2001, although it is officially designated an independent nongovermental organization, its activities and publications generally reflect the polices of the Chinese Government.

Thirty-five Chinese institutions comprise the association. Its 200-plus individual members include scientists and scholars working in the fields of weapons development and research, with retired diplomats and former defense officials providing additional expertise.

In 2005, CACDA was granted special consultative status by the UN Economic and Social Council.