On 8 September 2014, Chinese Ambassador Liu Xiaoming attended and addressed the Opening of the Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building. Also present at the ceremony was Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Mr. Dickson Poon, major donor of the China Centre Building Dickson Pooh and over 300 faculty members and students of the University of Oxford and media representatives from both China and the UK.

Ambassador Liu delivering a speech

Ambassador Liu gave congratulations on the inauguration of China Centre Building of Oxford University. He said that China studies at Oxford University reach far back into the 17th century and achieved unrivalled leadership and acclaim across the world. The Dickson Poon building opened today boasts a great variety of modern facilities and multiple functions. Last June, Professor Cheng Hong, wife of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, visited Oxford. She brought a large number of Chinese books and publications. The books and literature will find their place in the China Centre. He believed that this brand new building and the valuable books will ‘add wings’ to the study of China at Oxford University.

Ambassador Liu hoped that Oxford University will build upon strong academic traditions, pool together strengths in different disciplines, keep pace with the latest trends and accomplish greater academic achievements. He looked forward to the China Centre of Oxford University making great contributions to strengthening China-UK cultural and academic exchanges and becoming a new powerful force for promoting stronger and better understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries.

Prince William delivering a speech

Prince William said in his speech that the China Centre stands on the foundations of centuries of learning in the University of Oxford about China, and it marks a significant step forward. China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Its long history, customs and artistic and technological ingenuity have been a source of fascination and wonder in the world. Learning from and learning about China has never been more important than it is now. We live in a globalised world and we fully appreciate the importance of mutual learning and understanding. In an ever turbulent and changing world, the dialogue that academia can foster is not merely a nice-to-have, it is a pillar that supports peace and prosperity.

University of Oxford China Centre was founded in 2008. It brings together the experts and scholars in study of China from different disciplines at the University of Oxford in its commitments to promoting and expanding the study of China in the University. Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building is located in St Hugh’s College of the University of Oxford, covering an area of 5,500 square meters. It is equipped with various facilities including libraries, reading rooms and lecture halls. The Building was named after the major donor of the Building Mr. Dickson Poon, a Hong Kong entrepreneur and philanthropist, and put into use in September 2014. The new University of Oxford China Centre will become the largest China study centre in Europe.