In an effort to further apply the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), implement the fundamental mission of moral education, enhance the quality of talent development in the undergraduate programme of International Chinese Language Education, and bolster capacity-building for international communication of Chinese culture within the educational system of the Open University of China (OUC), the OUC hosted teaching and research activities focused on the major of International Chinese Language Education and the international dissemination of Chinese culture.

This event was held from 4-6 July in Xi'an, aligning with the requirements of the thematic education campaign marking the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Attending the event were Fan Xianrui, member of the Party committee, vice president of the OUC, and director of the Chinese Language Centre; Li Bin, secretary of the Party Committee of Xi'an Open University; Huang Xingguo, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and president of Chengdu Open University; and Zeng Chuigang, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of Chengdu Open University. Approximately 30 leaders from the OUC International Department and the departments responsible for teaching, international exchanges, and cooperation from seven provincial branches participated, as well as those responsible for the major of International Chinese Language Education and representative teachers.

This event seamlessly integrated the thematic education campaign exploration, the development of the International Chinese Language Education major, and the topic of international Chinese cultural communication. Engaging exchanges and discussions were held around the implementation of teaching processes and the enhancement of teaching quality for the undergraduate major of International Chinese Language Education. Other areas of focus included the integrated growth of degree and non-degree education in International Chinese Language, brand building in International Chinese Language Education, and innovation in international Chinese cultural communication. The event also provided a platform for discussing existing challenges and difficulties in current operations, while gathering valuable grassroots opinions.

In her speech, Fan emphasized that the CPC Central Committee places great importance on the openness of education, and the mission of International Chinese Language Education and international communication of Chinese culture carries both honor and potential. She stressed the necessity of thoughtful deliberation on key issues surrounding the development orientation, operational model, and innovative mechanisms of the major in International Chinese Language Education for the new era. A central goal is to guide and develop top-tier teachers and establish world-class majors to expedite the overall planning of overseas education and the cultivation of international students. The intention is to nurture a group of influential scholars domestically and abroad, alongside exceptional graduates, to serve the international communication of Chinese culture and establish a new international benchmark for open universities. Fan also briefed attendees on the progress and key projects related to the OUC's internationalization, inviting local open universities to actively participate in the development of overseas learning centres.

Li extended a heartfelt welcome to the leaders and educators participating in the teaching and research activities. He also presented Xi'an Open University's practical explorations and accomplishments in the areas of International Chinese Language Education, Chinese cultural communication, and digital empowerment.

Huang highlighted the work accomplished by Chengdu Open University in applying the guiding principles of The OUC Comprehensive Reform Plan and promoting the "four transformations". This encompassed their efforts in establishing an "international cooperation platform", providing Chinese language and cultural education for overseas Chinese, and advancing international cooperation and exchanges.

During the discussion and sharing session, teacher representatives focused on exchanging ideas and insights regarding the development of the major and practical teaching strategies.

On the afternoon of 5th July, all participants toured Xi'an Open University and its directly affiliated second branch school, engaging in direct discussions with about ten course tutors and students of the major. Two venues were designated for exchange, one focusing on "International Cooperation and Cultural Exchange, Senior Education," and the other on "Teaching of International Chinese Language Education." Deep-diving discussions were conducted on related topics. On the morning of July 6th, the group visited the Department of International Cooperation (School for International Education) and the Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs at Northwest University. This afforded them the opportunity for in-depth exchanges on the practicalities and outcomes of foreign affairs management, international work, and education for international students.

By Wang Li, OUC