China coins 5-Point formula to increase its presence in Indian education sphere

NEW DELHI. With the intent of increasing the footprint of its higher education institutions in India and vice versa, China has proposed a 5-point formula in the name of ‘strengthening China-Indian education cooperation.’

The formula includes: Supporting academic cooperation and exchanges, Establishment China-Indian University Alliance, Promoting the Luban Workshop Cooperation Model, Learning each other’s language, history and culture and Promoting ‘Study in China’ & ‘Study in India’ program.

The above formula was proposed by Sun Weidong, the Chinese Ambassador in India in his address during the “China Week” event at Jindal Global University (JGU), Sonipat recently.

“First, the two governments should support academic cooperation and exchanges between the two universities, create opportunities, build platforms, and provide convenience. Second, universities in the two countries should consider establishing a China-Indian University Alliance, sharing superior resources, optimizing educational output, and working together for common development,” said the Chinese ambassador.

While counting on the rest of the three points, Sun Weidong said, “The third is to continue to promote the Luban workshop cooperation model. China is willing to help young Indians master the skills and find ideal jobs while encouraging Chinese companies to recruit qualified local employees. The fourth is to encourage young people in China and India to learn each other’s language and understand the history and culture of the country through language.”

Fifth, more Indian students are welcome to study in China, and Chinese students are encouraged to participate in the Indian government’s “Study in India” program, he added.

Ambassador Sun Weidong and his wife Dr. Bao Jiqing attended the opening ceremony of the “China Week” and the 5th-anniversary ceremony of the India-China Studies Center at Jindal Global University. Prof. Raj Kumar, VC of JGU, former Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar, diplomats of the Chinese Embassy in India, representatives from Chinese industries in India, the All India Women’s Federation, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and Chinese students attended the event.

JGU has signed cooperation agreements with more than 20 Chinese universities

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The Chinese ambassador said there are 2,956 universities or colleges in China, and the international rankings have significantly improved. The gross enrollment rate of higher education is 50%, the number of students studying abroad is 662,000, the number of returnees is 519,000, and the rate of returning back to China is over 80%.

Chinese has entered into mutual recognition agreements for academic degrees with more than 50 countries or regions. About 550 Confucius Institutes and 1,200 Confucius Classrooms have been established in 154 countries and regions.

Promote vocational education cooperation, build Luban workshops with partner countries, provide skills training for local students, and create employment opportunities.

Ambassador Sun said that the leaders of the two countries held a second informal meeting in Chennai a few days ago and exchanged views on overall, long-term and strategic international and regional issues in a friendly atmosphere. He added, “We should be guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strive to expand consensus, properly handle differences, and expand the cooperation cake.”

JGU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar said Ambassador Sun Weidong was the first Chinese ambassador to visit JGU.

“China’s 70 years of development and achievements have attracted worldwide attention and brought about earth-shaking changes. JGU and the India-China Studies Center are willing to provide more exchange platforms for Chinese and Indian youths, and hold more international conferences, think tank discussions and cooperation opportunities.”

On the same day, Ambassador Sun also visited the Chinese Folklore Exhibition, the China-Indian Art Exhibition, and other supporting activities, and planted a “friendship tree” on campus, and wished the friendship between China and India, such as this sapling, to continue to thrive.

The University of JGU was established in 2009, and was selected by the Indian government as one of the 20 universities for “Institute of Eminence”. It is one of only two private universities with full A-level autonomy in All India. It has a high level of internationalized private universities.