The British government will create centers-of-excellence in Japanese and Chinese studies following concern over the closure of several East Asian courses.

The centers are expected to be formed by several existing university departments working in collaboration and will offer support and training.

A number of institutions are currently preparing bids for a share of the £22 million fund, which will create specialist centers across several disciplines, including East Asian studies.

The five-year funding package follows a review by the government on how to protect certain minority subjects.