HONG KONG – The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) and China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) have signed an agreement to jointly establish the Institute for International Relations of The Education University of Hong Kong.

The collaboration aims to strengthen their partnership in the areas of international relations, Chinese foreign affairs education and interactive practice.  

EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, and CFAU President Professor Wang Fan signed the memorandum of understanding at CFAU’s campus in Beijing on Mar 10, according to a press release.

Under the agreement, CFAU will assist and support the EdUHK in developing international relations and Chinese foreign affairs education in Hong Kong by providing policy guidance, teaching resources, and other related support.

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Under CFAU's guidance, the institute will serve as an academic and research hub in the fields of international relations and Chinese foreign affairs. It will conduct academic activities, such as research on the Belt and Road Initiative and explore the development of master’s and other certificate programs.

The two universities will engage in deep collaboration in areas such as curriculum development, compilation of instructional materials, academic research, international forums and student-teacher exchange activities, according to the press release.

Prof Lee explained that the EdUHK was considering integrating knowledge of international relations and Chinese foreign affairs into its teaching and research to enhance students’ global perspectives and understanding of China’s foreign affairs.

Through activities and events, the EdUHK aims to increase public awareness of China’s foreign affairs achievements and promote understanding of these topics among students and young people in Hong Kong at all education levels, he said.

Dr David Wong Yau-kar, chairman of the EdUHK Council, said at the ceremony that this initiative would inject new vitality into the EdUHK’s academic development and contribute to the advancement of research in international relations and Chinese foreign affairs education in Hong Kong and across the nation.

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Ambassador Wang Shiting, Party Committee Secretary of CFAU, expressed hope that through collaboration with the EdUHK, Chinese foreign affairs courses with distinctive Chinese characteristics could be introduced to Hong Kong universities and youth, contributing to fostering community support and patriotic spirit.

Prof Wang Fan meanwhile highlighted CFAU’s strong academic focus on international relations, foreign affairs, international law and international economics, which presents opportunities for collaboration in cultivating interdisciplinary talent.