Zheng Xinye, Vice President of Renmin University of China (RUC), met with a delegation from the University of Chicago led by Professor Yang Dali, a senior advisor on international affairs to the university's president and provost on Dec. 11th.
Zheng highlighted the deep and enduring partnership between RUC and the University of Chicago. He noted RUC’s integrated, multi-campus approach to education and its extensive academic and research resources. Acknowledging the increasingly complex challenges of global governance, Zheng expressed RUC’s eagerness to expand collaboration with the University of Chicago, particularly in key areas such as climate change, sustainable development, ecology, energy, artificial intelligence, and big data.
Zheng extended warmly invitated University of Chicago scholars to visit China, conduct field research, and engage in academic exchanges. He emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation to enhance the global academic influence of both institutions and to establish a strong foundation for sustained collaboration.
Professor Yang Dali underscored the significance of strengthening educational and cultural ties between the United States and China, particularly in today’s global context. He emphasized that RUC is a vital partner for the University of Chicago.
Yang expressed interest in leveraging the recently established University of Chicago Institute for Climate Change and Sustainability to deepen cooperation with RUC in climate politics, ecology, and carbon economy. He highlighted the potential of the University of Chicago Beijing Center as a hub for fostering greater academic collaboration. He encouraged more faculty and students from the University of Chicago to participate in exchanges with RUC.
Representatives from RUC’s International Office, School of Ecology and Environment, and School of Applied Economics also attended the meeting. Discussions focused on strengthening academic ties, expanding joint research initiatives, and promoting cross-cultural exchanges in critical global issues.
