According to a new report from the CBI (written in collaboration with Middlesex University), “China’s increasing research and economic significance plus UK universities’ growing range of links with China” are key to deepening UK-China relations further.

According to Bridges to the future: The role of universities in the UK-China relationship, there are already 950 programmes of trans-national education operating in China, enabling more than 57,000 students to study towards UK qualifications each year.

In addition, nearly 90,000 students from mainland China study at UK universities — more than a fifth of all international students in the UK.

Guy Dru-Drury, head of the China Office at the CBI (www.cbi.org.uk), said: “The links between our two countries are extraordinarily diverse, and Higher Education (HE) institutions across a wide range of disciplines lie at the heart of this.

“It’s a brilliant sign that the golden flame of UK-China relations continues to burn bright. Now is the time to build on these strong foundations, as opportunities open up within China and the UK.

“With HE a top priority for China, the vibrant range of existing research partnerships, high-quality teaching and business incubators demonstrates how both nations can benefit from a closer working relationship. This success has depended on nurturing partnerships and close collaboration.

“As more UK universities work with Chinese partners to provide innovative education options for China’s talented and motivated students, business, the Government and universities all have a part to play to help these partnerships flourish.”