Strengthening our links in China

A high level delegation has headed East to renew and enhance the University's international profile.

The Cardiff visit followed a high level UK Government delegation to China where the Vice-Chancellor accompanied David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science on the delegation led by George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, which linked with a delegation led by Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, at various points during the visit.

The Vice-Chancellor undertook a series of high profile engagements which further strengthened the links that Cardiff University has with China. The schedule included visits to Peking, Capital Medical (CMU) Xiamen and Hong Kong Universities.

There was also an opportunity for the University to celebrate the achievements of Cardiff alumni and meet Hong Kong based Welsh business leaders as well as awarding an Honorary Fellowship to Professor Yang Wei, President of the National Science Foundation of China.

"Cardiff University already enjoys long standing research collaborations with China. This visit was an opportunity to celebrate, build and renew these links," according to Vice-Chancellor Professor Riordan, who led the delegation.

During the week-long visit the Vice-Chancellor was awarded an Honorary Professorship by Peking University and made an International Adviser by Capital Medical University (CMU) at a presentation ceremony held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.  

Both awards are the most prestigious available from each institution and reflect Cardiff's developing relations with these top universities in China.

Professor Riordan added: "What pleased me most was the enthusiasm which greeted us throughout our entire visit. Our alumni are spread across a huge range of businesses in China and there are many opportunities for our students to spend time here as well.

"The new prospects that an economy like China offers the University in helping create new research collaborations are exciting both with other universities and with private companies.

"This visit helps to build further our international profile and to put Cardiff and Wales firmly on the world map."