The Rt. Hon. First Minister Carwyn Jones,
Minister Counselor Shen Yang,
Vice Chancellor John Hughes
Distinguished friends and colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen, good evening!
We are gathering here, during this most beautiful autumn, to celebrate the Opening Ceremony of the Confucius Institute at Bangor University. First, on behalf of China University of Political Science and Law, I would like to personally extend our best wishes and warmest congratulations on the establishment of the Confucius Institute at Bangor University! I would also like to express our sincerest thanks to the Government of North Wales of Great Britain as well as both the Confucius Institute Headquarter of China and the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
On April 17, 2012, the Agreement Between the Confucius Institute Headquarters of China and Bangor University of the United Kingdom on the Establishment of Confucius Institute at Bangor University was signed in London. Mr. Li Changchun, a member of The Central Political Bureau Standing Committee, attended the signing ceremony, a gesture which fully embodies the respect my government has for the Confucius institute at Bangor University. Four months later, today, we are here to witness the establishment ceremony of the Confucius Institute at Bangor University.
Bangor University, with its hundred years of cultural tradition and high quality education and academic research, is renowned around the world.
The Confucius Institute at the Bangor University, which is based on the characteristics of legal culture, is not only the product of a collaborative effort between the two universities, but a platform for communication regarding language education and legal culture exchange. Through this platform, the two universities, as well as our two countries, can promote and deepen all-aspects of cooperation in the legal field, and reach our common aim of mutual co-operation, enjoyment, success and development.
Confucius is the most famous thinker, educator and philosopher in Chinese history. His theory of “REN YI”, "ZHONG SHU (Loyalty and Tolerance)" and "ZHONG YONG (Golden Mean)" is looked upon as the essence of Chinese culture and has far-reaching influence on the formation and development of Chinese traditions. Adam Smith, the well-known British economist, ethicists and philosopher, formulated his theory of "benevolence", "prudence" and "propriety" in The Theory of Moral Sentiments in 1759, which received high praises by academic circles. Both Confucius and Adam Smith, as all rivers run into the sea, focused on the harmony of human beings and the harmony of the whole world. We can say that Chinese traditional culture, which originated in agriculture society, and the Western method, which developed in the Industrial Revolution, both resonate with a common kernel of spirit and pursuit. Both Eastern and Western cultures have the same aim while showing different forms and a diversity of characteristics. In order to reach our common goal to build a harmonious world, we have to deepen not only cultural research, but also the communication between these two cultures.
The China University of Politic Science and Law is a multi-disciplinary university, specializing in law. It is also the leading university of legal education in China. The university aims to establish a society based on the rule of law with the characteristics of “booming jurisprudence, progressing government, developing law, and promoting cultural prosperity and social harmony." The University is continuing to develop its international reputation—striving for excellence in innovative ability, multiple disciplines, openness, and international reach. “It's not solitary; there will be neighbours to virtue". Our common pursuits and mission prompted the establishment of the Confucius Institute at Bangor University.
I have the confidence that the Confucius Institute at Bangor University can be developed successfully as a platform for cooperation not only in culture but also in the legal field between the two countries. This can be achieved through our own efforts, support from the Government of North Wales of UK, guidance from the Confucius Institute Headquarters of China, and support from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Ladies and Gentlemen, once again, let’s congratulate the establishment of Confucius Institute at Bangor University!
Long live the friendship between the China University of Political Science and Law and the University of Bangor!
Long live the friendship between the People’s Republic of China and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland!
