Peking University, May 11, 2011: Lien Chan, honorary chairman of Kuomintang, Soong Chu-yu, president of the People First-Party, Wang Jin-pyng, principal of Taiwan's "legislature," and Wu Ching-ji, head of Taiwan’s educational administration, banqueted Peking University (PKU) President Zhou Qifeng and his delegation on the evening of May 8 to express their warm welcome. This visit was paid high attention, considering its significance in the history of higher education communication cross the strait.

A toast of Wu Ching-ji, Lien Chan, President Zhou, Soong Chu-yu and Wang Jin-pyng (from left to right)

Wang Jin-pyng said, Taiwan and PKU had deep roots and he had repeatedly invited President Zhou Qifeng and former President Xu Zhihong to lead a delegation to pay a visit. He also wished that PKU and universities in Taiwan could sign more relevant agreements, so that cross-strait communication would benefit the education in the future.

President Zhou gave Lien Chan a porcelain vase as a gift

Lien Chan reviewed the development of cross-strait trade and cultural exchanges in recent years, and pointed out that it was high time university students across the strait had communicated more and taken on the responsibility of educational development. He also called back his lecture given in PKU in 2005, during which time he was also welcomed by the teachers and students there.

Wang Jin-pyng proposed toasts to the members of PKU Student Art Troup

Soong Chu-yu made his expectation that PKU students could more fully understand Taiwan through academic and culture communication.

President Zhou made an address afterwards. He said he was greatly honored to be welcomed and banqueted. And then he briefly introduced PKU’s recent development and the aim of his visit. He also emphasized that the prosperity of PKU was inseparable from the concern and encouragement of many friends and communities in Taiwan, which he was very grateful to. He wished a better future for both sides of the strait.

Extended Reading:

From May 8 to 15, 2011, PKU President Zhou Qifeng, together with a 100-member delegation, paid a visit to Taiwan. During the visit at Taiwan University, PKU held a grand “PKU Day” series of activities. President Zhou also visited Academia Sinica, Cheng Kung University, Chengchi University, Taiwan Normal University, Central University, Zhongshan University (Kaohsiung), Tunghai University in Taiwan and some research institutions as well. Then he signed cooperation and communication agreements with these universities.

This visit to Taiwan is unprecedented in the history of PKU’s inter-university exchange. It is believed that the universities of both sides can make further progress in cross-strait cooperation in higher education.

Extended Readings: 

PKU, NTU expand student exchange program

President Zhou Qifeng's address on "Peking University Day at NTU" 

PKU delegation visits Cheng Kung University 

PKUers to Taiwan: A trip for academic, cultural exchange

NTU cooperating closely with PKU