**Interview with Zhang Beiping, Researcher at the Chongqing Research Center for the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Vice President of Sichuan International Studies University**

In today’s interconnected world, the importance of international collaboration and exchanges in education cannot be overstated. How do you see high-quality education influencing China’s integration into the global landscape and the development of a robust education system?

Zhang notes, “Education acts as a critical engine driving our educational ambitions in the context of openness.” He reflects on President Xi Jinping’s remarks at the national education conference, stressing the need for deepening educational openness. Xi advocated for a dual approach—both ‘bringing in’ resources and ‘going out’ to share China’s educational model. The third plenary session of the 20th National Congress also underscored the importance of ‘high-level educational openness,’ offering a clear framework for shaping an effective education system in this new era.

What measures can be taken to ensure that educational initiatives are aligned with both domestic priorities and global viewpoints?

Zhang emphasizes the necessity for a systematic and strategic approach to educational openness. He argues that aligning education with the country’s modernization strategies is paramount, ensuring that initiatives meet domestic needs while contributing to China’s economic and social progress. A UNESCO report has also indicated that education is a public good requiring global solidarity and collaboration. According to Zhang, we must balance our focus on domestic development with the pursuit of international cooperation. He cautions against an excessive obsession with internationalization that neglects local educational traits, just as we should avoid insularity that restricts opportunities for global collaboration.

In recent years, how has China worked to improve its educational offerings through international partnerships?

Zhang highlights that China has made significant strides by integrating high-quality international educational resources and fostering cooperation between domestic and global educational institutions. This effort has diversified educational offerings to meet the growing demand for quality international education. With China’s increasing openness, establishing educational institutions abroad has become crucial. Today, China is the world’s leading source of international students and the largest destination for overseas students in Asia, collaborating with 183 countries and signing degree recognition agreements with 59 nations. Initiatives like the “China-ASEAN Vocational Education Alliance” have also broadened educational exchanges.

What strategies do you recommend to enhance mutual understanding and cultural exchange in education?

Zhang believes that promoting mutual learning and cultural exchange through education requires improved interaction in areas such as educational policies, talent training, and curriculum development among nations. It’s critical to facilitate the exchange of educational philosophies, methodologies, and resources to yield real results in educational openness. By grounding these initiatives in local contexts, China can showcase its successes and create a model that enhances overall educational standards. He points to various successful programs, such as the U.S. Youth Ambassador Exchange Program and the China-U.S. Young Entrepreneurs Competition, that have fostered cultural exchange and educational openness.

As we face the complexities of the current global landscape, how should we tackle the challenges surrounding educational openness?

Zhang argues for a problem-oriented and goal-driven approach to enhance educational openness effectively. There must be a solid governance structure that can identify and address potential risks and challenges while safeguarding foundational support systems. We need to tackle barriers to educational cooperation decisively, adopting a comprehensive, systematic, and scientific mindset. By advancing institutional reforms and invigorating our educational initiatives, we can create a more dynamic and effective educational environment.

Finally, as the world experiences unprecedented changes, what is your vision for China’s role in global education?

Zhang envisions that China should embrace a broader perspective and confidently showcase its educational achievements. By maintaining an open mindset and learning from advanced international educational philosophies, China can assert itself as a key player in global education and make meaningful contributions to global educational governance.