Over 200 scholars from around the world gathered at the University of Nottingham, in northern Britain on Tuesday to discuss the global financial crisis and other key challenges faced by China.

The theme of this year's meeting was "Beyond Revolution and Reforms: the People's Republic Looks forward at 60." Leading scholars took part in the conference with their papers in this main topic.

The University of Nottingham held the two-day International Forum as China prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary next month.

"The main aim of this year's conference is to review China's course of development over the past 60 years, and to discuss the major constraints and challenges facing the country in the future," said Professor Yao Shujie, head of the School of Contemporary Chinese Studies (SCCS).

This was the second year of the forum organized by the School of Contemporary Chinese Studies at Nottingham University, following the success of the conference attended by 150 delegates last year.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2009)