Wuhan University and the University of Aberdeen have jointly founded a Confucius Institute (CI), officially launched in September. This is the fourth CI established by WHU, and each one involved a different partner, namely: Université Paris Diderot, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Duisburg-Essen.

WHU President Li Xiaohong, along with First Minister of Scotland Alexander Salmond and University of Aberdeen Principal Ian Diamond unveiled the CI. President Li and Principal Diamond then signed the formal implementing agreement.

In his speech, President Li hoped that the CI could draw upon Confucius ideas strongly supportive of education to promote teaching Chinese and disseminate Chinese culture. He added that teaching and cultural activities should be centered on Confucius’s idea of harmony and would encourage friendlier ties between Chinese and British citizens.

Principal Diamond praised the deep level of cooperation between the two universities. He added that the CI demonstrated the practical results of the collaboration and would encourage deeper ties with Chinese academic and cultural community.

First Minister Salmond expressed the Scottish Government’s support for academic and cultural cooperation and hoped to strengthen links between China and Scotland.

Mr. Shen Yang, Minister Counsellor of Education Section of Embassy of China in the U.K. and Mr. Li Ruiyou, Consul General of China Consulate-general in Edinburgh also attended the unveiling ceremony.

During his stay in the U.K., President Li met with students joining a ‘2+2’ program at the University of Aberdeen.

The University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, is Scotland's third-oldest university. On March 20th, Hanban (the Confucius Institute Headquarters) officially approved the establishment of the CI by WHU and the University of Aberdeen. The CI will help the Aberdeen academic and business community learn more about China and provide a forum for studying Chinese language and culture.