The International Origins and Global Aspirations of Chinese Universities

Abstract

Despite the resurgence of nationalism in China, the United States, and several European countries, and rhetoric of a “decoupling” between China and the West, the internationalist agendas of Chinese universities remain robust. This trajectory would appear to be strengthened by the broad, inclusive, if still ill-defined mission given to Chinese institutions by Beijing to “go out” along the “New Silk Road” (NSR). Although the international origins and aspirations of Chinese universities have been shaped mainly by Western models, there are increased incentives for exchange between Chinese and NSR-based universities. However, hopes that educational exchanges will strengthen higher education in both China and the NSR may be unrealistic. Themselves products of international models, Chinese institutions have no distinct “China model” to offer NSR universities. Furthermore, although academic collaboration along the NSR may increase the quantity of Chinese scholarship, it is unlikely to help Chinese universities achieve a larger goal: world-class status.