The Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL), premier national security think tank collaborates with the China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on 24th June 2017 in Beijing, China. This marked a historic moment being the first time a Sri Lankan security think tank has been successful in establishing strategic ties with a Chinese counterpart. The China Institute for International Strategic Studies was established in October 1979 under its original name, Beijing Institute for International Strategic Studies (BIISS). Primarily charged with the analysis of international strategic situation, China's national security, international politics and economic environment, the institute consults and offers policy advice to Chinese governments, military and related institutions. Research members of the institute include military officers, diplomats and university professors.