On 16 July, Consul General Tang Rui met with Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, and exchanged views on cultural and educational cooperation, student development as well as other issues between China and the UK. Counsellor Liang Yan of the Consulate and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Claire O'Malley of Durham University also attended the meeting. Consul General Tang said that Durham University has a solid basis for cooperation with China, including close cooperation with the Palace Museum in cultural heritage research and strong connections with Tsinghua University, Peking University and other well-known Chinese universities in student exchange programs and cooperative scientific research. It’s hoped that the University will continue to strengthen its cooperation with Chinese universities and research institutes in archaeology, physics, geography, English literature and other strong disciplines.

Vice Chancellor Karen O’Brien said that Durham University has always been committed to promoting exchanges in the fields of culture and education between the UK and China, and attaches great importance to international cooperation in scientific research. Over the years, the University has conducted frequent exchanges with China in areas such as clean energy and archaeology. Chinese students are an important part of the University's international student community. The University cares for the students' learning experience and physical and mental health, and will continue to strengthen exchanges with other members of Russell Group to create a good learning environment for students studying in the UK.