Start in Shanghai: signing of a MoU with Sanda University
The trip began in the metropolis of Shanghai. Here, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the renowned Sanda University - the first private university in the People's Republic of China. The festive ceremony took place on the university's impressive green campus. President Chen of Sanda University and President Piller jointly expressed their delight at the new partnership, which will enable student exchanges and joint projects in the future. Afterwards, the delegation explored the famous Bund and the old town of Shanghai. A special highlight was the meeting with Prof. Dr. Clas Neumann, a former alumnus of the East Asia Institute, who is now President of the German Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and is on site for SAP. In an intensive discussion, he provided current insights into the Chinese economy and introduced President Piller to relevant issues of German-Chinese economic relations.
Fuzhou: deepening existing cooperation
The next leg of the trip was by high-speed train to Fuzhou. Here, talks continued with the German studies department and the School of Economics. Both institutions showed great interest in further intensifying cooperation, particularly in the area of student exchange. Fuzhou presented itself as a green, liveable city. In addition to the academic program, a visit to a traditional tea plantation was on the agenda. The second and fourth semester students stayed in Fuzhou to take part in the Spring School. They visited the university, explored the old town, visited local companies and attended lectures on the Chinese economy. Afterwards, they traveled on to the picturesque Wuyi Mountains - with water rafting as one of the highlights of the program.
Chengdu: Cooperation with Xihua University
The President and Prof. Dr. Darimont, head of the China focus at the East Asia Institute, then traveled to Chengdu to sign a cooperation agreement with Xihua University. Chengdu impressed with its lively character, in which modernity and tradition merge harmoniously. The city is particularly attractive for students due to the comparatively low cost of living and the rich cultural offerings. In addition to the official program, President Piller also visited culturally significant sites such as the Poetry Park in honour of Du Fu and Li Bai, the Jinsha archaeological site and Wuhou Park, which is dedicated to the Three Kingdoms period (208 to 280 AD).
A pithy closing statement
During a boat trip in Fuzhou, a pithy motto caught the delegation's eye: "Do it now, really do it." This maxim, which expresses China's strategic development dynamics, was perceived by the group as a remarkable counterpart to our university's motto "It will..." - and as an impetus for future joint action with our partners in China.
