The first ever UK-China Education Policy Week concluded on Friday 18 March, with the announcement of a statement of principles that will inform transnational education programmes between both countries.

Following discussions between nearly 100 education experts from the UK and China, which covered a range of disciplines – from higher education and vocational education, to internationalisation, industry collaboration, and graduate employability – the UK-China Education Policy Week concluded with the announcement of the ‘Beijing Statement’ - shared principles for quality assurance in UK-China transnational education programmes.

The statement of principles – which include developing regular channels of communication to support sharing of data and information, exploring ways to enhance inter-agency cooperation, and recognise the importance of sharing best practice and experience – will inform both countries’ collaboration in transnational education programmes. All participant parties commit to following these agreed principles when establishing transnational education programmes.

The statement was jointly developed by the British Council, the China Education International Exchange Association, the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Centre, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, and the UK Higher Education International Unit, in consultation with the sector. The announcement was made at a workshop jointly organised by the British Council and the China Education International Exchange Association with support from BIS and the Ministry of Education China.

Jim Addison, Counselor (Education) at the British Embassy in Beijing and Director Education at British Council in China, said:

“Today’s announcement demonstrates both countries’ commitment to transnational education, an area in which the UK and China are already world-leading partners. The commitment to follow these agreed principles paves the way for more high-quality partnerships between the UK and China, benefitting students and institutions alike. In doing so, the Beijing Statement is another milestone in our two countries’ ever-growing relationship in higher education.”

Taking place immediately after the Chinese National People’s Congress and the announcement of the Chinese government’s new (13th) Five-Year Plan, the aim of the UK-China Education Policy Week was to build on progress made at the UK-China Education Summit in 2015 and inform the joint agenda for 2016 and beyond.

It highlights the growing scope, depth and strength of the bilateral education partnership, and demonstrates both countries’ commitment to working together in growing that partnership. At the beginning of a golden era between the UK and China, it set ambitions for win-win cooperation.