5,000 Tajik students in China, a new chapter in cooperation, and a promise to visit more often

As reported by CCTV+, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon called for more active cooperation in education during his visit to Peking University. He is on a state visit to China.

Growing people-to-people exchanges are seen as a driving force for friendship between the two countries. Both sides already maintain close ties in education. According to Tajikistan’s Khovar news agency, more than 5,000 Tajik students studied in China last year.

During his visit to Peking University, one of China’s top institutions, Rahmon delivered a speech. He urged Tajik students to cherish their learning experience in China.

“China is a country like paradise, offering such favorable conditions that you should cherish. We hope to cooperate with Chinese universities in civil engineering, other engineering fields, science and agriculture. We are committed to learning professional experience,” he said.

Peking University President Gong Qihuang expressed hope that Rahmon’s visit would open a new chapter in cooperation.

“As one of the first countries to support the Belt and Road Initiative, Tajikistan is actively promoting its National Development Strategy until 2030 and deeply aligning it with the Belt and Road Initiative,” Gong said. Rahmon was also awarded the title of Honorary Professor of Peking University. And he quickly made use of his new title.

“Now that I am an honorary professor at Peking University, I finally have the opportunity to come here and give a speech every year. If the university can increase the number of scholarships for Tajik students, then I will come twice a year,” he said.

Tajik students who attended the event also expressed their hopes and expectations for the future.

“There are many opportunities in China, and it’s great to stay here. But in the future, I want to use this knowledge in my country to help it develop further,” one student said.

“I am currently in my third year of undergraduate studies at the University of International Business and Economics, and I hope to continue my studies as a master’s student at Peking University,” said another.

Five thousand students. One honorary professor. And a president who jokes about scholarships but speaks seriously. Tajikistan sends its youth to China for knowledge. And China gives not only education, but also hope. The hope that these young people will return home and build a new country. Bridges, roads, factories. Or simply teach others what they have learned themselves. Rahmon promised to come twice a year if they give scholarships. A joke. But there is a grain of truth in every joke. And that truth is in the eyes of students who don’t want to leave the classroom.