On November 6, 2025, as autumn colors graced the campus and the fragrance of osmanthus filled the air, a group of international journalists from the China International Press Communication Center visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) during the 8th China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The delegation toured the SJTU History Museum and engaged in in-depth discussions with faculty and students on new opportunities for internationalization in higher education and cultural exchange. The visit was accompanied by Liming Huang, Counselor of the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, and Dingjue Zhang, Deputy Director of the News and Culture Division, Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office.
Building Bridges of Friendship
At around 9 a.m., Xin Zhao, Deputy Party Secretary, Jie Cao, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department, Wei Ma, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, and Lianshan Zhang, Director of the English-Taught International Program of the School of Media and Communication, attended the welcoming ceremony on behalf of the university.
In his speech, Xin Zhao extended a warm welcome to the journalists. He reviewed the university’s 129-year history and highlighted SJTU’s deep-rooted international vision. He expressed hope that the visiting journalists would help present to the world a true, multidimensional, and comprehensive image of China. Zhao also invited the delegation to return next year to celebrate the university’s 130th anniversary and witness this historic moment together.
Experiencing the Legacy of a Century-Old University
Following the ceremony, journalists from Eurasia, the Arab world, Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and Eastern Europe visited the SJTU History Museum. Guided by the museum docent, they gained an in-depth understanding of the university’s development since its founding in 1896, its rich cultural heritage, and remarkable academic achievements. Several journalists said that through detailed historical materials and vivid displays, they had developed a deeper appreciation of SJTU’s significant role in the history of modern Chinese education.
Sharing China’s Story Together
After the museum tour, the journalists participated in a roundtable discussion with Chinese and international students. Noah, a Kenyan Ph.D. student from the School of Media and Communication, remarked that the China International Import Expo is not only a platform for trade cooperation but also a reflection of how China and other countries work together to meet global challenges and achieve mutual benefit. He added that studying at SJTU and living in Shanghai has provided him with a world-class research environment and a deeply inclusive, multicultural atmosphere. Drawing from their experiences at the Import Expo, the journalists shared their perspectives on China’s development. The discussion was both lively and engaging, reflecting the openness of Chinese universities and showcasing the achievements of China's international education through the students' personal stories.
Journalist delegation engages in lively exchanges with Chinese and international students
Fostering Global Cooperation
This visit not only deepened the international journalists’ understanding of China’s higher education but also served as a practical bridge for cultural exchange. The China International Import Expo is not just a trade fair; it is also a window for mutual benefit and cooperation. As SJTU approaches its 130th anniversary, the university will continue to expand its international partnerships, foster cross-cultural understanding, and write a new chapter in global education. It will further strengthen its global cooperation network and promote mutual learning among civilizations, injecting educational vitality into the building of a community with a shared future for humankind.
Author: Dinghui Zhao
Editor: Elizabeth Pan
Translate: Rui Su
