South China Morning Post
China’s Vice Minister of Education, Chen Jie, has emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration between China and the United States in scientific research and AI education integration. The call for closer ties came during a meeting between Chen and Linda G. Mills, President of New York University (NYU), held in Beijing earlier this week.
During the meeting, Chen expressed China’s openness to welcoming more outstanding students from NYU to study and exchange experiences in China. He also extended an invitation for NYU to participate in a significant initiative announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping last year, aiming to bring 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study over the next five years.
Amidst heightened geopolitical tensions and US-imposed technology restrictions, China has underscored the importance of international cooperation in key areas such as AI. President Xi’s announcement of the initiative during a summit with US President Joe Biden in November signaled a commitment to expanding educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries, amidst efforts to improve bilateral relations.
Reviving Youth Exchange: China-US Ties Amid Challenges
The number of US students enrolling in Chinese universities declined significantly last year, reaching its lowest level in a decade. Factors contributing to this decline include strained bilateral ties, COVID-19-related restrictions, and disruptions in travel arrangements. Despite these challenges, both China and the United States are keen on fostering greater people-to-people exchanges, particularly among youth.
In response to Vice Minister Chen’s proposal, President Mills expressed NYU’s willingness to encourage more young Americans to visit China and participate in bilateral youth friendship activities. This sentiment aligns with broader efforts to strengthen ties and promote mutual understanding between the two nations.
China’s scientific research and AI education integration
China has been actively integrating AI into various sectors, including education, to drive innovation and economic growth. The leadership’s emphasis on international cooperation in AI reflects the country’s commitment to remaining competitive in the global technological landscape despite facing challenges from the US-led tech war.
The meeting also highlighted the academic achievements of NYU Shanghai, a joint venture established in 2012 with East China Normal University. President Mills reiterated NYU’s steadfast support for the development of its Shanghai campus and expressed eagerness to deepen scientific research cooperation with China.
As China continues to navigate the complexities of the global AI race and strives for economic revitalization post-COVID, collaboration with esteemed institutions like NYU holds significant promise for advancing technological innovation and fostering cross-cultural exchange. With a shared commitment to academic excellence and mutual cooperation, China and the United States are poised to embark on a new chapter of collaboration in scientific research and AI education integration.
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