China and UK sign partnership to encourage cooperation in education

The first China-UK Northern Ireland Education Cooperation Forum opened at Ulster University in Northern Ireland. The event deepens connections with the school and Hubei University in China, as well as creating new partnerships with the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts in Beijing.

Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Zheng Zeguang attended the event at Ulster University, and was warmly welcomed. Musical performances and dance routines were also held as part of the 175th anniversary of the Belfast School of Art.

"Our event today marks a moment for educational exchange, a moment in terms of development of partnerships, people to people relationships that help all of us to prosper," said Cathy Gormley-Heenan, professor of Ulster University.

The ambassador spoke to an audience of local politicians and academics, including the speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the President of Hubei Normal University.

"Our world today is undergoing deep transformation and increasing volatility, humanity is facing severe challenges from climate change and infectious diseases and a new round of industrial and technological revolution is unfolding at pace," said Chinese ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang.

"Now more than ever, countries need to work together to cultivate more talent with a global vision and find solutions to common challenges. This should be an international consensus and a shared goal of people across the world."

The partnership agreed here in Belfast is just the latest of many China has around the world. China has had educational exchanges with more than 183 countries and signed agreements with 58 countries and regions on mutual recognition of academic qualifications.

More than 30 million people outside of China are studying the language and 85 countries have incorporated it into their national curricula, according to the Chinese ambassador.

"We need to reach out in this global world at every level, and the wider international conversations are crucial," said Edwin Poots, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, adding that it is necessary to face up to challenges, "so as to maximize our potential for sharing experiences, and to learn from each other."

"The cooperation between China and Northern Ireland is particularly important in providing opportunities to develop our local potential," he added.

Zheng also emphasized that China is committed to a steady and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship on the basis of mutual respect and equality.

"No matter what changes may occur in the British political landscape, we hope that people of insight, including those in the education sector will not be swayed by noises or disturbed by obstructions and will continue to promote mutual learning and collaboration between our two countries."

Nearly 200,000 Chinese students studying in the UK, and since 2013 more than 67,000 British students have studied or participated in internships in China. The Ambassador said he hopes to see more UK students going to China in the future.

Cover Image: Chinese ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang is speaking at the first China-UK Northern Ireland Education Cooperation Forum. /Yan Kai, Chinese Embassy in the UK

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