Higher Education Exchanges between China and Pakistan under Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract

China and Pakistan enjoy an all-weather relationship since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1951. Over the past seven decades, the two sides developed iron-brother relationship which is recognize as the model of international relations. Entering into 21^st  century,  the two countries starts to explore a solid educational exchanges with each other, and a growing number of universities and colleges in China and Pakistan started educational cooperation programs, with more and more Pakistani students coming to China to learn Chinese culture, language and majors. Meanwhile, many Chinese companies in Pakistan are in desperate need of talents who are familiar with Pakistan local situation and capable of speaking English, Chinese and the local language. The growing exchanges between the two countries in higher education promoted friendly relations between the two countries, and there is an increasing need for talents under the background of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This paper will examine the educational exchanges between the two countries from four aspects: academic exchanges, China-Pakistan language programs, overseas students programs and educational platforms. The paper summaries the direction for future educational cooperation between the two countries.