On September 30, Huaqiao University’s Quanzhou campus witnessed a momentous occasion with the unveiling of the “Quanzhou Maritime Silk Road International Communication Center Huaqiao University Collaborative Center” and the signing of a cooperative agreement. This initiative signals a new chapter in enhancing international exchange and communication surrounding Quanzhou’s rich maritime Silk Road heritage.
The Quanzhou Maritime Silk Road International Communication Center aims to delve into the vast cultural resources of Quanzhou, acknowledged as the origin of the Maritime Silk Road. By harnessing Huaqiao University’s strengths in international education, research, and collaboration, the center aspires to create a new platform for promoting Maritime Silk Road culture globally.
As a leading institution for overseas Chinese education established after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Huaqiao University has dedicated itself to serving overseas Chinese communities and fostering cultural connections for over sixty years. The university boasts an impressive alumni network of more than 260,000 students, including over 60,000 individuals who now reside in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and other international locations, acting as cultural ambassadors for Sino-foreign exchanges.
“Huaqiao University has been actively involved in various international communication efforts in recent years, guided by our mission of ‘serving overseas Chinese and spreading Chinese culture,’” stated Lin Hongyu, Vice President of Huaqiao University. He underscored the significance of promoting both Chinese and Maritime Silk Road culture on the global stage, promising that the university would leverage its academic resources, talented faculty, and appropriate channels to support the center’s growth and effectively share the stories of Quanzhou and China.
Liu Linshuang, a member of the Quanzhou Municipal Party Committee and Minister of the Publicity Department and the United Front Work Department, emphasized that the establishment of this collaborative center represents an innovative approach to international communication through partnerships between schools and local entities. It signifies a strategic decision for both parties to pool their strengths and achieve mutual benefits.
“I am eager to see Huaqiao University faculty and students, particularly international and exchange students, engage in international communication efforts representing Quanzhou. I encourage them to immerse themselves in and promote Quanzhou’s diverse and inclusive image to the world,” Liu remarked.
Additionally, the event kicked off a global recruitment campaign for multilingual broadcasters as part of the Citong “Translation” Project, the first initiative derived from the newly formed Quanzhou Maritime Silk Road International Communication Center. The project has already attracted considerable interest and acclaim, both domestically and internationally, generating nearly a hundred multilingual video contents. Its goal is to enlist talented individuals who are passionate about communication, eager to express their views, and capable of engaging in cross-cultural dialogues, collectively working to enhance the international promotion of Quanzhou’s culture.
