The Centre promotes an understanding of China that fully recognises its role as a global cultural and economic power whilst helping to coordinate and develop Chinese student recruitment, China-related study and research capabilities. It also supports visiting Chinese scholars and conducts an annual survey of UK and Chinese businesses and their export capability and skills needs. It hosts the Annual Marco Polo Initiative Conference, which focuses on global trade and the development of the Belt Road Initiative (New Silk Road). It is also building links with Chinese organisations in education, the cultural and creative sectors, business and government and fostering this across the university.

The Institute contributes to a growing interdisciplinary interest in China among both students and academics at Chester.