Chinese academy to promote cultural links; Confucius Institute one of only 12 in the UK.

Byline: LAURA SHARPE

LIVERPOOL University has launched a Confucius Institute to teach Chinese and promote understanding of Chinese culture.

The Institute - one of only 12 in the UK - will act as a hub for the Liverpool city region's growing relationships with China ahead of World Expo 2010.

It was opened on Friday by Madam Lin Wenyi, a member of the university's alumni, who is now the vice-chairman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Madam Wenyi said: "China and the UK are two great nations and over recent years Liverpool has had a growing reputation in China.

"From a history of trading, we have moved into investment, technology and education and culture between the two countries.

"This is a starting point in our new history. When I studied here in the 1980s, I used to look at the beautiful red buildings and think what a beautiful place it was to live.

"When I come back here today and see the city I am reminded of John Lennon's song, In my Liverpool home."

Based inside the university's Management School, the Institute will offer intensive language and culture courses for local schools, businesses and the community.

Founded on the university's existing base of Chinese language teaching, it will benefit from a dedicated resource area in the university's Centre for Lifelong Learning.

The new library will help students further their understanding of Chinese history, the arts and business practices.

Pro Vice-chancellor Professor Michael Fang said: "This Institute is part of the university intention to become a global presence and is a natural stage for the university which already has students visiting from Xi'an Jiatong University in China.

"China started trading with Liverpool over 300 years ago so Liverpool and China have a strong bond and the Chinese community in the city is the largest in Europe."

The Institute - a partnership between the university, the Office of Chinese Language Council International and Xi'an Jiaotong University - will be supported by nine staff, including four teachers who will provide classes in Chinese at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

Schools across Merseyside and the North West will also benefit from the new facility which will offer teacher training and opportunities to learn about Chinese music, art and theatre.

Calday Grange Grammar School on the Wirral, one of the country's leading secondary schools teaching Chinese, will also form a partnership with the Institute.

Vice-Chancellor, Sir Howard Newby, added: "We're privileged to be able to establish a Confucius Institute in Liverpool which will promote better understanding of China and support the development of multiculturalism in the city.

"Its creation forms an integral part of our commitment to internationalise our research and teaching and strengthen our links with China."

He added: "Our Confucius Institute will also help us to maximise our contribution to the Shanghai Expo 2010.

We're looking forward to enhancing our already strong relationship with China."

Liverpool has already established a university in the World Heritage city of Suzhou, China, in partnership with Xi''an Jiaotong University.

The University - Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) - based on an Industrial Estate outside Shanghai offers placements for Liverpool students to study and work in China.

The Institute will help prepare students for placements by equipping them with language skills.

CAPTION(S):

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Howard Newby and Madam Lin Wenyi at the opening of Liverpool University''s Confucius Institute Professor Newby addresses the audience