Honorary degree for China’s Vice Premier
The highest-ranking woman in the government of the People’s Republic of China, Madam Liu Yandong, has been awarded an honorary degree.
The award is in recognition of her efforts to promote the teaching of Chinese language, cultural exchanges and a wider understanding of China.
Madam Liu received the degree of Doctor of Letters from the University's Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea at a ceremony in St Cecilia’s Hall.
China-Scotland relations
As Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Madam Liu Yandong has played a major role in developing links between Scotland and China through her support of the Confucius Institute for Scotland at the University.
She has overseen the development of the Confucius Institute Network worldwide, which has grown from around 40 institutes in 2006 to more than 550 across the world today.
Cultural exchange
During the ceremony, Madam Liu spoke warmly of Edinburgh’s contribution to the learning of Chinese language.
She praised the University for its role in promoting cooperation in education and for facilitating cultural exchange.
This approach, she added, is helping to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Scotland.
Musical performances
The honorary degree ceremony featured musical performances from Pádruig Morrison, fourth year BMus student at the University of Edinburgh and Katie Targett-Adams, a Scots-born internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and Celtic harpist.
Madam Liu Yandong has played a significant role in helping foster relations between China and the rest of the world. Her support for the Confucius Institute for Scotland has enabled many students to gain Chinese language skills and helped China-Scotland relations in business and culture. It is a great privilege to present her with one of our highest honours, a doctorate of the University.
Related links
The Confucius Institute for Scotland in the University of Edinburgh