Center gives wings to Oxford tiger

Star turnout for grand opening of new chinese seat of learning

Prince William said an understanding of China had never been more important than today with the rise of the world's second-largest economy.

The Duke of Cambridge was speaking at the official opening of the Dickson Poon Oxford University China Centre on Sept 8, which he performed.

"China is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Its long history, customs and artistic and technological ingenuity have endured as a source of fascination and wonder in the world," he said.

In an almost party atmosphere, the duke was greeted by a group of primary school children waving Chinese and British flags and calling out "ni hao", the word for hello in Chinese.

Beth Lily Barton, the five-year-old daughter of a staff member, also presented flowers to the duke on his arrival.

The Duchess of Cambridge was unable to attend the ceremony due to morning sickness after announcing earlier in the day she is expecting a second baby.

"I'm sorry that Catherine could not join me today. She is sorry to miss it, and she hopes to come back in the future to meet you all for herself," he said.

The new 21-million-pound ($33 million, 26 million euros) building, which received a 10-million-pound single donation from Hong Kong billionaire Dickson Poon, owner of the Harvey Nichols department store group, has five floors and a floor area of about 5,500 square meters.

Its modernist light brown brick construction with large glass windows and a central courtyard with tall bamboos is in contrast to much of Oxford's older architecture.

The center has a dedicated library and a reading room and will provide a permanent home for 60,000 volumes and a large part of the Bodleian Library's famous Chinese book collection.

Lord Patten, chancellor of the University of Oxford and a former governor of Hong Kong, thanked Poon for his generosity and other donors.

"Every great ancient university is the result of countless acts of philanthropy and generosity over the centuries. Dickson Poon and so many other friends have made the scholarly center a real possibility, taking it from the drawing board to reality, and we want to thank you warmly for that," said Patten, adding that Chinese students, now the second-largest foreign group at Oxford after Americans, were an important part of the university.

"I'm sure the scholars here will work on some of the challenges that will determine not just how China copes with the 21st century, but how all of us cope with the 21st century," Patten said.

Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador to the UK, said the center would give "wings to a tiger", using the Chinese term that means bolstering something already strong.

"The study of China at Oxford University reaches right back into the 17th century and has achieved unrivalled leadership and acclaim across the world," he said. He also made reference to the visit to Oxford in June of Cheng Hong, wife of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who donated books to the university.

"She brought a large number of Chinese books and publications. I heard the books and literature will find their place here in the China center. I am sure that Professor Cheng Hong will be delighted at this news."

The Duke of Cambridge said the center was "a great leap forward" in promoting greater understanding in an ever more dangerous world.

"The globalized world that we inhabit and that we (China and the UK) have both helped forge underscores the importance of deepening our knowledge and appreciation of one another."

"In an ever turbulent and changing world, the dialogue that academia can foster is not merely a nice-to-have, it is a pillar that supports peace and prosperity."

Elisabeth Forster, 28, a third-year PhD student in Chinese studies, is one of many students who now attends the center.

"I'm very excited about the new China center, it shows that Chinese studies is important to the university and that the university wants to give students a great experience," she said.

Li Yao, a master's student in contemporary Chinese studies, said the syllabus at the university was more advanced than at many others.

"They do not just study the Chinese language, but have been studying Chinese history, literature, culture and films. Some students even have great understanding of the complexities of Chinese politics."

"Here at Oxford the quality of study we get is really first class, and I have learned a lot in my year at Oxford. I hope the new center will help many future students do well in their studies."

Lincoln Tsui, 26, also doing a doctorate in Chinese history, said the new building reflected the large presence that China now has at Oxford.

"This is not just in student numbers, but with the opening of the center, investment and capital too."

The name of the center is engraved on the wall above the entrance in both English and Chinese but its modern look was not so popular with everyone.

"For me, Oxford represents heritage, and I find older buildings more beautiful," said contemporary studies student Li.

But Stella Dalzell, an undergraduate student majoring in French and a volunteer at the opening ceremony, said she liked its light and airy architecture.

She also said it would perform an important role at the university.

"China is becoming more and more important economically, and having the center as a part of our college is a great way to connect with China."

cecily.liu@chinadaily.com.cn