Shanghai Jiao Tong University sets up Japanese research center

Officials announce the inauguration of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Japanese Research Center on June 23. [Photo/sjtu.edu.cn]

The Shanghai Jiao Tong University Japanese Research Center was inaugurated at a symposium on Sino-Japanese relations on June 23.

The center aims to develop into a leading Japanese comprehensive research platform and a think tank for policy making, based on current findings in Japanese studies and Sino-Japanese relations research.

Around 300 guests from China and Japan witnessed its inauguration.

Jiang Sixian, Party secretary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, pointed out that the university will take advantage of the center to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

Gao Hong, executive vice president of Chinese Association for Japanese Studies, said that Shanghai Jiao Tong University has conducted research on Japan and Sino-Japanese relations for a long time, and the new center will serve as a driving force for the university's research.

Ji Weidong, director of the new center, said that it will help strengthen communications between the two countries in the areas of the economy, trade, politics and law.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University has built close ties with many top Japanese universities such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Nagoya University, as well as several well-known Japanese multinational companies.

Some of its schools such as the KoGuan School of Law consist of many returned scholars who studied in Japan. The KoGuan School of Law has regularly hosted Sino-Japanese lectures and symposiums since 2010 and also sends exchange students to Tokyo every year.

Jiang Sixian, Party secretary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, speaks at a symposium on Sino-Japanese relations to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Sino-Japanese friendly relations on June 23. [Photo/sjtu.edu.cn]

Attendees at a symposium on Sino-Japanese relations pose for a group photo on June 23. [Photo/sjtu.edu.cn]