Cardiff University deepens China partnerships with strategic delegation visit

The delegation, led by Pro Vice-Chancellor Urfan Khaliq, has returned from a highly successful visit to China where he engaged with key partner institutions in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xiamen in June 2026.

The visit reaffirmed Cardiff University's commitment to deepening its international collaborations, advancing its civic mission, and building sustainable academic networks that align with the University's Global-Civic strategy.

At Beijing Normal University, the delegation met with senior leadership to review a longstanding and highly valued partnership. Discussions centred on renewing the strategic relationship and exploring new avenues for collaboration beyond existing programmes, particularly within the humanities and social sciences, areas of mutual strength and growing synergy.

In Shanghai, the delegation held productive talks with Shanghai Maritime University, focusing on developing high-quality educational pathways tailored to the needs of students in supply chain management, maritime logistics, and related disciplines. Both institutions placed a strong emphasis on academic rigour and student success.

The visit to Fudan University, one of China's most prestigious institutions ranked 30th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, opened conversations around staff and student mobility, with a particular focus on the field of law. The meeting brought together distinguished scholars, including a Cardiff alumnus, underscoring the enduring connections between our institutions.

The Shanghai leg of the visit was further enriched by a vibrant alumni reception, bringing together graduates from across Cardiff Business School, the School of Law and Politics, and the School of Journalism, Media and Culture. Professor Peng Zhou delivered a thought-provoking presentation on "artificial intelligence and artificial inequality", while Pro Vice-Chancellor Khaliq led a discussion on contemporary developments in international law, showcasing the breadth of Cardiff's academic expertise.

The visit concluded in Xiamen, where Pro Vice-Chancellor Khaliq delivered a keynote address, "Connecting the World: Shaping a New Paradigm for Global Higher Education Cooperation", at the University Presidents Forum of the University Consortium of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The Cardiff delegation also met with Xiamen University's senior leadership to strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Urfan Khaliq said:

University Dean of International, Professor Peng Zhou added: