It is a great honor for me to attend the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Waseda University as the President of Peking University’s representative, Professor Xu Zhihong. On behalf of our whole Peking University community please allow me to convey our warmest congratulations to Waseda University for reaching such an important milestone.

Through its 125 years history, Waseda University has become one of the most prestigious universities in Japan and one of the world’s fs first-class universities with an outstanding reputation as a result of its significant role in the development of higher education in Asia. Founded by Shigenobu Okuma in 1882 with the ideals of “independent learning”, Waseda University has become well known for its mission of “practical application of knowledge” and “fostering in its students the ideals of good citizenship”. Their graduates from all disciplines have played an important role in Japan's development in its political, economic, literature, art and sports fields.

Waseda University has gained a strong reputation for being committed to promoting Sino-Japanese collaborations. In early 1905, Waseda University established an Office of Foreign Students to receive students from the Qing Dynasty. Since then many Chinese Scholars have been educated at Waseda University, notably, the Founders of the Chinese Communist Party, Mr. Chen Duxiu and Mr. Li Dazhao, graduated from Waseda University.

In the 21st Century Waseda University promotes “Creating Asian Talents together”, a sentiment that the Peking University fully supports. Waseda University continues to develop cooperative partnerships with many Chinese universities, allowing younger generations a unique opportunity to learn from each other. In partnership with Waseda University, Peking University hopes to further develop these Sino-Japanese programs, which are important for the prosperity and stability of Asia-Pacific region.

Waseda University is a very important partner for Peking University. We signed a formal Academic Agreement with Waseda University in 1982, which promotes the academic collaboration between the two universities and together we have developed collaborative initiatives such as the Joint Training Graduates and Undergraduates Programs. The establishment of the Joint Teaching and Research Center in 2004 and the commencement of the double-degree undergraduate Joint Training Program demonstrates our cooperation at a multi-dimensional level.

Once again, I wish Waseda University prosperity and many great developments in both the research and education agendas in the future. Peking University’s relationship with Waseda University is very valuable to us and we look forward to building on the successes we have already enjoyed together.

Thank you!