On 19 July 2023, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang visited the University of York and met with Vice-Chancellor and President of the University Professor Charlie Jeffery.

Ambassador Zheng noted that the University of York is a prestigious institution renowned for its strong academic and research capabilities and has conducted exchanges and practical cooperation with a host of Chinese “Double First-Class” universities. He expressed thanks to the University for providing a favourable learning environment for the 3,000 or so Chinese students studying at the University.

Ambassador Zheng pointed out that, committed to the Chinese path to modernisation, China is advancing green transition and high-quality development, and promoting the internationalisation of higher education. He hoped that the University of York will leverage the sister-city relationship between York and Nanjing, seize the new opportunities of China’s development, and enhance exchanges and cooperation with its Chinese counterparts. Ambassador Zheng said that the faculty and students of the University are welcome to come to China for visits and exchanges.

Professor Jeffery welcomed Ambassador Zheng Zeguang and his delegation to the University, noting that the University is committed to openness and internationalisation and enjoys sound collaboration with many Chinese universities. Chinese students at the University are diligent in their studies, active in campus activities, and excellent in their performance. The University hopes that more outstanding teachers and students from the UK and China will go to the universities of each other’s country to study, promote research collaboration and academic exchanges, and enhance mutual understanding and learning.

During the visit, Ambassador Zheng also met with Chinese students studying at the University of York. He listened carefully to their sharing of experiences as international students, and encouraged them to bear in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping’s instructions, be loyal to the country, cultivate their knowledge and capacity, enhance unity and mutual assistance, promote friendship and good will, strive to become pillars of the country in the new era, and make new contributions to closer exchanges and cooperation between China and the world.

Consul-General Tang Rui at the Chinese Consulate General in Manchester, and Minister Counsellor Bi Haibo and Counsellor Kong Xiangwen at the Chinese Embassy in the UK participated in the activities.