Tan Tieniu's Call to Action Amid China's 15th Five-Year Plan

In a timely contribution to the People's Daily Overseas Edition on March 4, 2026, Academician Tan Tieniu, Party Secretary of Nanjing University (NJU) and a prominent member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, outlined a compelling vision for deepening the expansion of higher education international openness in China. Speaking as a National Committee Member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Tan emphasized that high-level research universities must adopt a more open, inclusive, and confident posture to serve national strategies and foster global civilizational exchanges. This comes as China prepares for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which aims to build globally influential centers for education, science, and talent.

Tan Tieniu, a renowned expert in pattern recognition and computer vision, has been at the forefront of NJU's internationalization efforts since becoming Party Secretary in 2022. His leadership has seen NJU forge partnerships across continents, aligning with broader national goals like the Double First-Class Initiative's new round launching in 2026. Under this framework, elite universities are tasked with elevating China's position in global higher education rankings and innovation.

Background: China's Higher Education Internationalization Journey

China's push for higher education internationalization, or what Tan terms 'external openness,' has evolved significantly since the 1978 reforms. From sending scholars abroad to hosting nearly 500,000 international students by the early 2020s, the nation now boasts over 1,589 active transnational education (TNE) partnerships. In 2025 alone, the Ministry of Education approved 285 new joint programs and institutes, including 46 partnerships in September, signaling accelerated growth into 2026.

This expansion addresses domestic enrollment pressures nearing 50 million students while importing high-quality foreign resources. Key drivers include the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has spurred university collaborations in 150+ countries, and policies like the 'Study in China' brand to attract global talent. Outbound mobility remains robust, with over 1 million Chinese students studying abroad annually, though returnees hit 495,000 in 2024, up 19% year-on-year, bolstering the domestic talent pool.

Challenges persist, including geopolitical tensions and quality assurance, but Tan's proposals offer a roadmap forward.

Proposal 1: Optimizing Global Partnership Networks

Tan's first recommendation focuses on refining China's network of international academic ties. He advocates deepening institutionalized, long-term collaborations with world-class universities while extending outreach to underrepresented regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America.

NJU exemplifies this under Tan's guidance. In late 2025, he led delegations to Egypt and the UK, signing agreements for practical cooperation in research and exchanges. Earlier visits to South Africa, Kenya, Brazil, and Mexico yielded mutual scientist exchanges and joint projects, enhancing NJU's global footprint. These efforts align with BRI's 'Silk Road Academic Belt,' uniting 151 universities across 38 countries.

• Deepen ties with top global institutions like those in the UK and US for tech transfer.
• Expand to Global South for balanced, mutual-benefit partnerships.
• Leverage alumni networks for sustained engagement.

Such strategies not only diversify partnerships but also mitigate risks from Western-centric dependencies.

Proposal 2: Elevating Internationalized Talent Cultivation

Central to Tan's vision is nurturing 'top innovative talents with family-country feelings and international vision.' This involves blending domestic and foreign resources to produce graduates ready for global governance.

China's inbound international students are projected to exceed 550,000 by 2030, up from around 492,000 in 2018, supported by improved services and curricula. NJU has bolstered English-taught programs and faculty training, while TNE joint degrees—now over 2,400—offer students hybrid experiences. For instance, the 122 new TNE projects approved in early 2026 include many with UK partners.

Stakeholders praise these initiatives for cultural immersion, though challenges like visa processes remain. Solutions include digital platforms for recruitment and scholarships tied to national priorities like AI.

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Proposal 3: Building High-Level Innovation Platforms

Tan urges alignment with international research standards through joint labs and flexible talent policies to aggregate global innovation resources. This resonates with the Ministry of Education's push for overseas campuses and STEM institutes, like UNESCO's new Shanghai center.

NJU's collaborations, such as with China Telecom for industry-university synergy, exemplify platform-building. Nationally, Double First-Class universities lead, with 147 institutions receiving billions in funding for world-class disciplines.

This table highlights TNE's role in innovation, fostering breakthroughs in AI and biotech.

Proposal 4: Fostering International Humanistic Exchanges

Finally, Tan calls for storytelling China's narrative through education to build a 'community with a shared future for mankind.' NJU's cultural programs and alumni events amplify this, while BRI exchanges train professionals in rail and green tech.

These exchanges counter misconceptions, promoting mutual understanding amid global tensions.

Policy Alignment and Recent Developments

Tan's ideas dovetail with MOE priorities: digital transformation, industry integration, and global governance contributions. The 2026 Double First-Class relaunch targets 'Chinese characteristics, world standards,' boosting internationalization.

• 15 overseas Chinese campuses expanding.
• BRI platforms like Silk Road University Alliance.
• AI-focused joint ventures with 220 countries.

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Challenges and Strategic Solutions

Geopolitical frictions and quality variances pose hurdles, but Tan's framework addresses them via diversified partnerships and robust evaluation. Enhanced visa policies and cultural integration services will sustain growth.

Stakeholder perspectives—from students praising hybrid programs to faculty noting collaboration benefits—underscore viability.

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Future Outlook: A Globally Influential System

By 2030, China's higher ed could host 550,000+ internationals, with TNE enrollment surging. Tan's vision positions NJU and peers as hubs, driving innovation and diplomacy.

Implications for Global Academics and Students

For international scholars, China's openness means more university jobs and research posts. Students benefit from affordable, high-tech programs. Rate professors via Rate My Professor for insights.

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