The 2026 China-Central Asia Conference of Industry-University-Research-Application Cooperation took place in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on June 25, bringing together over 200 guests from 100 universities across China and Central Asia to exchange views on educational collaboration.

Zheng Chengjun, vice-president of Beijing International Studies University (BISU), delivered a keynote speech at the event.

Zheng Chengjun makes a keynote speech at the conference.

At a parallel forum, Zheng highlighted BISU's proactive role in supporting the Belt and Road Initiative by deepening theoretical research and practical exploration in integrating regional studies and international Chinese education.

Zheng noted that BISU has established a multidisciplinary educational system through its first batch of master's degree programs in regional studies, supported overseas Chinese teaching with think tank research, and developed a "Chinese + Tourism" model through its seven Confucius Institutes worldwide.

He emphasized the mutual empowerment of regional studies and international Chinese education, advocating for localized overseas teaching through a layered textbook system and the cultivation of versatile faculty.

He also called for resource integration and cooperation to enhance the Silk Road cultural exchange system, thereby contributing to high-quality Belt and Road development and the China-Central Asia community.

Attendees of the conference pose for a group photo.

During the conference, Zheng engaged in in-depth discussions with education officials, university leaders, and scholars from Central Asian countries, promoting the "Study at BISU" and "Study in Beijing" programs.

Looking ahead, BISU plans to deepen multi-level, broad-based, and regular educational exchanges and cooperation with Central Asian countries, further consolidating the foundation for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Central Asia.