nwasianweekly.com
Sept. 1, 2007

Photo provided by the University of Washington

Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong and UW President Mark Emmert (both wearing ties) gathered with UW scholars
from China on Aug. 22.

UW’s Beijing presence opens opportunities

The University of Washington made a bold yet wise move in deciding to open an office in China.

The announcement by UW President Mark Emmert on Aug. 22 strategically coincided with Chinese ambassador Zhou Wenzhong’s visit to Seattle.

China’s importance in the 21st century is undeniable. It’s not a question of whether China will play a role in the economic, political and social affairs of the globe over the next few decades; it’s a question of how much.

Researchers and professors are fascinated by the transformation of China into a world superpower. Students yearn to study and experience the modern and traditional cultures found there. At the same time, Chinese professors, researchers and students are curious about the world beyond their borders.

The UW is stepping in at the right time. Its new office in Beijing — the first of its kind in the world for the UW — will facilitate interactions between students and professors in Seattle and China. It will provide a permanent physical space where both Chinese and Americans can go for information about studying abroad. It will also help Chinese universities, research institutes, government and businesses gain access to UW resources like faculty and student programs.

In the past, the UW’s offerings on China were limited to courses taught on the Seattle campus, with individual scholars traveling to China whenever possible. In coming decades, classes will take place in China and many more American students and professors will be able to study there.

The new office will also be responsible for identifying, promoting and facilitating UW research and learning opportunities. In charge of this new initiative will be Hank Wang, an attorney with 30 years of experience in China relations, who will receive the title of vice president.

The UW has facilities and buildings in other parts of the world, like Rome, where some classes take place. But none of those centers is staffed by a UW vice president. Wang’s hiring speaks to the significance of the Beijing office, as well as the UW’s commitment to it.

Long ago, the UW’s China studies program was nationally recognized. During World War II, it was rumored to be a fertile training ground for American spies learning Mandarin. That’s not really the legacy we want UW China studies to have, though; it should be the foundation for a stronger and longer lasting legacy, one that is being kick-started by the opening of an office in Beijing.

Today, more than 400 students from China are enrolled at the UW — the largest group of international students at the university. In addition, there are nearly 300 post-graduate scholars from China in residence at the UW, 20 faculty members in the China studies program and more than 50 faculty members collaborating with colleagues in China. In 2005-06, 120 UW students went to China on foreign-study and exchange programs.

The demand to study in China is huge. People all over the world are clamoring to see what makes China tick, not to mention learn the languages so they can conduct business there. It’s thrilling to know that the UW, a world-renowned institution located in our backyard, is setting itself up to be at the forefront of efforts to reach out to and learn more about China.

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