Our world today is undergoing deep transformation and increasing volatility, humanity is facing severe challenges such as climate change and infectious diseases, and a new round of industrial and technological revolution is unfolding at pace. 

Now more than ever, countries need to enhance education cooperation, 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. 

In recent years, however, there have been constant noises against it from some politicians in the West. They use “national security” as an excuse to push for "decoupling” of economies, severing of industrial and supply chains, and creation of small yards with high fences while pointing fingers at China and obstructing exchanges and collaboration. 

Anyone with a historic vision, pragmatic attitude and sound judgment should reject such noises, uphold openness and inclusiveness, and persist in exchanges and cooperation.

Facts have and will continue to show that China-UK educational collaboration is mutually beneficial and has broad prospects. 

There are nearly 200,000 Chinese students studying in the UK, and among them, more than 2,000 are studying at Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast. Since 2013, more than 67,000 British students have studied or participated in internship programmes in China. And we hope to see more UK students going to China.

There are 242 education programmes jointly run by China and the UK at the undergraduate level or above. Ulster College at Shaanxi University of Science and Technology is a stellar example.

Other programmes such as the China-UK Mathematics Teacher Programme, the Mandarin Excellence Programme and the China-UK School Partner Programme have also been well received by teachers and students in both countries.

Chinese students studying in the UK have not only enriched cultural diversity at British campuses, but also contributed to teaching and scientific research in this country. And UK students are doing the same in China.

The number of academic papers jointly published by Chinese and British researchers surged to nearly 16,300 in 2019; and in the past five years, 24.8% of the co-authored papers between our two sides have a citation impact of twice the world average.

China and the UK, through our education cooperation, have provided a large talent pool for both countries, who are also goodwill ambassadors connecting the two sides.

Ladies and gentlemen,

China is committed to working with all sectors in the UK for a steady and mutually beneficial China-UK relationship on the basis of mutual respect and equality. 

The UK will hold its general election this year. We hope that people from all walks of life in both countries, especially those in the education sector, will not be swayed by noises or disturbed by obstructions, and will continue to promote mutual learning and mutually beneficial collaboration between our two countries. Ulster University can take the lead in this regard.

The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the UK will, as always, support your efforts and facilitate your educational exchanges and collaboration with your Chinese counterparts.

To conclude, I wish this forum a full success.