"The University is a history, it is a living book": the Consul General of China visits St Petersburg University

Welcoming the guests, Nikolay Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, emphasised that strengthening and expanding friendly relations with China is a strategically important area of international activity of St Petersburg University. Thanks to the assistance provided by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Russian Federation, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China and cooperation with research institutes, the University could open 91 academic programmes with a Chinese component and organise active academic exchange between partners. Today, more than 2,500 Chinese citizens are studying at St Petersburg University, and 1,400 Russian-speaking students are studying Chinese as a foreign language and getting acquainted with the national characteristics, culture, history and socio-economic development of the eastern country. 

"The University students are prepared to be experts in law, economics, tourism, international relations and the Chinese language. They can work to unite our people, companies, countries. In the light of the active development of cultural, educational and economic interaction with China, assistance from the Consulate General is an essential factor in strengthening partnerships. Your support helps us develop," said the Rector of St Petersburg University.

Today, cooperation between St Petersburg University and scientific and educational organisations in China has a strategic importance, which is reflected in the number of international projects, including the Russian language centres of St Petersburg University in China, the University’s Representative Office in Harbin, the joint campus with Harbin Institute of Technology, and agreements with more than 80 educational and research institutions from various Chinese provinces: Qinghai, Sichuan, Hunan, and Heilongjiang to name just a few. From 2020 to 2023, researchers from St Petersburg University participated in the preparation of 974 publications in collaboration with colleagues from 257 research centres of the People’s Republic of China.

Among the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the need to hold regular meetings with the China’s largest companies and representatives of Chinese enterprises operating in the Russian market and cooperating with St Petersburg University to ensure open dialogue and exchange of experience. These meetings are expected to provide a platform to discuss current issues in business, trade, economics and other significant areas of development to strengthen relations between the educational institution and the partner’s labour community. "Your assistance will help present St Petersburg University’s courses and academic programmes to prepare professionals who meet the needs of the labour market. We will be able to communicate directly with representatives of universities, entrepreneurs, organisations and discuss with them that the University has many areas of activities," said Nikolay Kropachev. 

The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China agreed with the initiative proposed by the Rector of St Petersburg University and emphasised that cooperation with St Petersburg University contributes to the deepening of international relations in the field of education, research, and culture. "Today, Russia-China relations are at a historic peak. This is a very good chance for us to expand our partnership in education. We and St Petersburg University are establishing a very strong basis for mutual understanding. Your University is a history, it is a living book, so your suggestions will definitely be taken into account," said Luo Zhaohui. He also expressed interest in the joint development of human resources in the field of management activities, which will ensure the economic growth of the state.

During the meeting, there was an emphasis on the issue of studying the China’s experience in how to develop a single mechanism for the functioning of the national language. According to the Rector of St Petersburg University, the lack of a unified explanatory dictionary and a standardised system in Russia leads to the destruction of language norms and has a negative impact on standards of speech and communication. Without reaching a general agreement on the meaning of words, uncertainties arise in education, law, and other areas where precision and clarity of language are critical.

In 2020, the St Petersburg University Publishing House published a book entitled "The Reports on the language situation in China: language policy" with a foreword by Nikolay Kropachev, where the University’s experts in Asian studies translated speeches by Chinese leaders and documents related to China’s state policy in the field of language policy.

The Rector of St Petersburg University also took an initiative to organise an excursion for employees of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China to introduce them the resource potential of St Petersburg University to discuss research achievements and educational opportunities at St Petersburg University, provide information about the activities of museums, the M. Gorky Scientific Library, take a walk through the Botanical Garden, and visit the Research Park of St Petersburg University with technological equipment and infrastructure worth over 7.5 billion roubles. 

The diplomat was also invited to deliver a public lecture to students at St Petersburg University and take part in the ceremony of awarding an honorary doctorate from St Petersburg University to the Chinese novelist Liu Zhenyun in August. Luo Zhaohui expressed his readiness to support initiatives aimed at developing educational and cultural ties between the two countries, and noted the importance of organising joint meetings and conferences. "As part of our mutual negotiations, I agree to take part in various seminars, meetings and discussions. I will be happy to participate in them to talk about the development of our country, about Russia-China cooperation and to present the current situation in China," said the Consul General. 

Following the visit, they decided to prepare an official list of proposals to develop. Both sides confirmed their readiness to actively work on joint projects and agreed to continue expanding bilateral relations in education and research. "We need to expand our business circle, introduce new ideas, use new technologies, and integrate the experience of our countries. We can learn a lot from each other, so the Consulate General supports St Petersburg University and will promote the idea of a meeting among Chinese employer companies. I will instruct them to develop a direct connection with the University. You have suggested good ideas today, and I agree with everything you have come up with," said the diplomat.