On May 17, 2012, the launch ceremony of Regional and National Studies Bases at BFSU authorized by the Ministry of Education was held in our administration building. The research bases include: Center for Japanese studies, British Studies Centre, Central and Eastern European research center, Canadian Studies Center etc.

The Launching ceremony was hosted by Vice President Jin Li of BFSU. Experts and scholars from a dozen universities and research institutions attended the ceremony, including Yang Xueyi, Party chief of BFSU, and deputy party secretary Jiang Xufan; former deputy culture minister Liu Deyou; Mei Ping, former Chinese ambassador in Canada; Deputy Director Yang Jun from the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges, the Ministry of Education; Xiu Gang, President of Tianjin Foreign Studies University, to name a few.

In his remarks, Party chief Yang Xueyi noted that the launching of these research bases marked a new stage of regional and foreign country studies at BFSU. Guided by the principle of serving the country, we would strive to establish these research bases and advance the process in a solid way by improving the relevant system and other supporting facilities, launching research projects, placing more emphasis on investigations and so on.

Party chief Yang Xueyi and Deputy Director Yang Jun unveiled the plaques to these research bases, and awarded letters of appointment to directors of research bases and members of Academic Council. Professor Wang Zhanpeng from BFSU British Studies Centre was appointed the director of British Research Base; the counselors and members of Academic Council include: Ma Zhengang, former Chinese ambassador in UK and researcher from China Institute of International Studies; Professor Chen Zhirui from China Foreign Affairs University; Doctor Cui Hongjian from China Institute of International Studies; Professor Feng Zhongpin from China Institute of Contemporary International Relations; Research Director Liu Fei from Institute of Europe, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Professor Shi Tongyun and Wang Zhanpeng from BFSU British Studies Centre.

Director Ding Chao from Central and Eastern European research center, our external experts Xiu Gang, President of Tianjin Foreign Studies University, and Mei Ping, former Chinese ambassador in Canada all delivered speeches expressing their congratulations on the launch of these research bases and gave suggestions to the future development.