Chinese President Xi Jinping has praised Tianjin University’s contributions to national development and global academia in a congratulatory letter marking its 130th anniversary. The institution, founded in 1895 as China’s first modern university, has trained generations of leaders in engineering, science, and humanities.
Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the university’s role in advancing technological innovation and fostering cross-cultural understanding. His message highlighted the importance of education in achieving China’s modernization goals while maintaining traditional values.
Analysts note Tianjin University’s growing international partnerships with 200+ institutions worldwide, positioning it as a key player in Asia’s innovation ecosystem. The anniversary comes as China prioritizes STEM education to drive economic transformation, with Tianjin’s research parks attracting $2.3 billion in tech investments last year.
For the Asian diaspora, the university’s preservation of historic campus architecture offers a cultural touchstone, blending Western and Chinese design elements from its early 20th-century expansion.
