HSE and Tsinghua University Strengthen Russia–China Partnership as part of Cross Year of Education
On May 10, a delegation from Tsinghua University—one of China’s leading higher education institutions—paid an official visit to HSE University. The delegation was led by Qiu Yong, Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee, former President and Chair of the University Council, and member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The visit followed major intergovernmental agreements signed on May 8, 2025, in Moscow by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Among these was the initiative to hold a Cross Year of Education in both Russia and China aimed at deepening humanitarian and academic ties. Both sides emphasised the importance of mutual learning and the exchange of best practices in higher education.
Ahead of the meeting, HSE University signed cooperation agreements with two of China’s top universities—Peking University and Tsinghua University. The agreement with Tsinghua focuses on developing academic, cultural, scientific, and educational ties, including joint projects and student exchanges. The signing took place at the Kremlin in the presence of both heads of state and was part of the official programme marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.
During the visit to HSE University, the two sides discussed concrete steps to strengthen their partnership. Priority areas included the launch of joint technology and research projects, the implementation of double degree programmes, the creation of a joint postgraduate school in artificial intelligence and education sciences, and the organisation of a summer school in Moscow for Tsinghua students. Particular attention was paid to the transformation of postgraduate education in both countries as a key element of mutual learning under the Cross Year of Education.
Nikita Anisimov
HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov highlighted that China is currently a world leader in scientific activity, including in fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, materials science, and mathematics. He also noted that HSE University holds leading positions in Russia in terms of the quality of its educational programmes, entry exam scores, and graduate employability.
According to the rector, cooperation with Tsinghua University is not only an exchange of knowledge but also an opportunity to enrich the academic environment. In turn, Qiu Yong praised the educational practices of HSE University.
The discussions also touched upon organising a summer school on Russian language and culture in Moscow for Tsinghua students and teachers, as well as the development of a joint educational programme in Russian literature—another step toward mutual cultural and academic exchange.
The Chinese delegation expressed appreciation for the HSE visit to Tsinghua in March 2025 and confirmed its interest in further developing cooperation. They showed particular interest in HSE's practices, which, according to Tsinghua representatives, are seen in China as exemplary and worthy of study.
In addition, the delegation expressed readiness to collaborate on addressing global scientific challenges, including the development of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Special attention was also given to cooperation within the BRICS framework. Participants noted that this visit marks only the beginning of a long-term dialogue and expressed hope for its continuation.
HSE’s cooperation with leading Chinese universities spans a wide range of fields—from engineering and natural sciences to humanities and education policy. Deepening the partnership with Tsinghua is seen as a strategic step within the Cross Year of Education and the broader strengthening of the Russia–China academic dialogue.