Chinese Ambassador Li Xinwei received at YSU to discuss new academic perspectives

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan emphasized that expanding and strengthening educational, scientific, and cultural cooperation with China is a key priority of the university's internationalization policy. In this context, multifaceted relations with China are being developed, including scientific workshops, international conferences, seminars, and reciprocal visits. Partner institutions include the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Shanghai University, Beijing Institute of Technology, and the Confucius Institute, among others. 

The rector noted that the YSU Center of Chinese Language and Culture is one of the premier hubs for the promotion of the Chinese language in Armenia, regularly hosting language courses and events dedicated to Chinese history and culture. Furthermore, the YSU Faculty of International Relations frequently organizes political science and analytical conferences in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Another international forum with the academy is planned for this September.

"In recent years, thanks to more than 40 seats allocated through state programs, many of our students have had the opportunity to study in China," Hovhannisyan noted.

He added that the growing interest in China within Armenia is encouraging and can be elevated to a new level through deep, systemic educational and scientific cooperation with YSU. Hovhannisyan also pointed out that significant state investments in recent years have allowed the university to establish state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with innovative technologies. This substantial potential offers a foundation for expanding Armenian-Chinese cooperation not only in the humanities but also in the natural sciences, such as physics, pharmacy, and biology.

YSU Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, Development, and Innovation Mikayel Hovhannisyan added that as Armenia's leading educational and scientific institution, YSU is open to cooperation in all directions.

"There is also an opportunity for cooperation in Russian language instruction, as YSU possesses long-standing traditions and extensive expertise in this field," Mikayel Hovhannisyan remarked.

Notably, YSU has long hosted a unique program where two cadets from China arrive annually to pursue a one-year master's degree in Russian. 

"In recent years, we have received proposals from Chinese partners to organize '3+1' or '4+1' educational models (three or four years in Armenia and one year in China) for Chinese students. YSU remains open to such collaborations," added Alexander Markarov, Head of the YSU International Cooperation Office.

Ambassador Li Xinwei noted that there is a robust foundation for cooperation with YSU. He observed that, driven by recent events in the Middle East, interest in the region is steadily increasing in China regarding education, culture, and tourism. As a country with an ancient civilization, Armenia holds great potential for developing such partnerships. The ambassador also mentioned that the creation of the Academic City—a novel concept for Armenia—could further stimulate interest in the Armenian educational system. 

In the context of regular academic cooperation, Ambassador Li Xinwei highlighted the potential for partnerships with Xinjiang and other leading universities in China. Agreements were reached to promote effective interaction between these institutions and YSU. 

Accompanied by the rector, Ambassador Li Xinwei also toured YSU's research laboratories and the Center of Chinese Language and Culture to familiarize himself with the university's educational and technological capabilities.