国内英语新闻:Sino-Danish bilateral ties enjoy great potential

CULTURAL GAIN

Meanwhile, culture and educational exchanges are also gaining steam, with artists and performers from both countries making frequent visits to China and Denmark.

In 2010, the Little Mermaid, Denmark's national treasure and most recognizable symbol, made its first overseas appearance at the Shanghai World Expo, on loan from Denmark.

A showcase for Denmark's eco-friendly vision and cultural appeal, the Denmark Pavilion at the Expo attracted over 5.5 million visitors.

Chinese language and culture are becoming increasingly popular in Denmark. Many Danish schools offer Chinese language teaching courses and hold contests that test Chinese language skills and cultural learning.

Moreover, the resident Chinese community in Denmark has held New Year activities here for 11 consecutive years. Their efforts have introduced and promoted traditional Chinese culture.

In 2008, Beijing's Renmin University and Copenhagen Business School took a big step in strengthening bilateral educational links by establishing the Copenhagen Business Confucius Institute.

The facility became the second Business Confucius Institute in the world. The Confucius Institute for Innovation & Learning at Aalborg University, in northern Denmark, was also established a year later.

In April 2010, the Partnership Agreement and the Building Agreement of the Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research were signed in Beijing in the presence of Chinese Premier Wen.

Since then, eight Danish universities have joined forces with the Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (GUCAS) to establish a new Sino-Danish University Center in China.

The center will carry out education and research cooperation in five areas: water and environment, renewable energy, nano-science, life sciences and social sciences. The Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research is expected to be fully operational in 2013.