From April 20 to 27, Gang Wenzhe, Vice Chair of the University Council and Secretary of the Commission for Discipline Inspection of China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL), led a delegation to Mexico and Barbados at the invitation of local institutions. The delegation visited several universities and institutions, including El Colegio de México, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies. During the trip, they initiated a series of academic exchanges and cooperation talks, and participated in the inauguration ceremony of the China-Caribbean Joint Research Center and celebration events for the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute co-established by CUPL in Barbados. These activities provided new momentum for China’s educational and cultural cooperation with Mexico and Barbados, as well as for CUPL’s internationalization efforts.
Expanding China-Mexico Academic Collaboration and Strengthening Foundations for Disciplinary Exchange
On April 21 morning, the delegation visited the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Mexican States, where they held substantive discussions with Political Counselor Cao Hang and First Secretary Wu Xiaoyan on issues regarding enhancing higher education cooperation and academic exchanges among universities in both countries. Vice Chair Gang emphasized CUPL’s commitment to expanding partnerships with Mexican universities in fields such as legal studies and area/country-specific research, with the embassy’s support, to elevate China-Mexico educational and cultural exchanges to new levels.
That afternoon, the delegation visited El Colegio de México for discussions with Vice President Ana Covarrubias and heads of relevant departments. The two sides exchanged views on cooperation in faculty exchanges, student exchange programs, and regional studies, etc. The meeting concluded with a consensus on formalizing their partnership through a cooperation agreement, establishing official inter-university ties.
On April 22, Vice Chair Gang headed the delegation to the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The visit featured a series of in-depth discussions aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation in talent cultivation and academic research.
A Decade of China-Barbados Cooperation: Ushering in a New Chapter of Regional Research
On April 24, the delegation was invited to attend several important events, including the inauguration ceremony of the China-Caribbean Joint Research Center, the International Symposium on the Law of the Sea, the Confucius Institute Board of Directors meeting, and its 10th anniversary celebration of the Confucius Institute. Vice Chair Gang delivered speeches at the inauguration ceremony, Board of Directors meeting and the anniversary event.
On that morning, the delegation attended the inauguration ceremony of the China-Caribbean Joint Research Center and the International Symposium on the Law of the Sea. Gang noted that the Center’s launch, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the jointly established Confucius Institute, marks a significant step forward in CUPL’s efforts to deepen educational opening to the outside world. It also opens up vast new space for regional studies cooperation between China and the Caribbean.
During the event, Vice Chair Gang received an interview from the Spanish-language channel of China Central Television (CCTV Español), where he spoke highly of the significance and prospects of the China-Caribbean Joint Research Center.
In the afternoon, the 11th Board of Directors meeting of the Barbados Confucius Institute co-established by CUPL was successfully convened. In his remarks, Vice Chair Gang reflected on the institute’s achievements over the past decade, particularly its contributions in hosting academic forums on maritime law, organizing moot court competitions, and helping establish the China-Caribbean Joint Research Center. He encouraged the Institute to pursue further innovation by developing more signature events benefiting students and faculty of both institutions, while continuing to serve as a bridge for China-Caribbean cultural exchange.
The evening featured a grand celebration commemorating the Institute’s 10th anniversary, attended by prominent figures from government, academia, and cultural institutions.
