Regulations governing overseas schools run by Chinese universities will come into effect on February 1 as the government seeks to promote foreign exchanges and cooperation in the education sector.

In the regulations, "overseas schools" refers to educational institutes run independently by Chinese universities, or jointly with their legal counterparts in other countries and regions, which give lessons, grant qualifications or academic degrees to overseas citizens.

The regulations emphasize that schools should abide by relevant laws and rules of China, obtain legal licenses and shoulder responsibility in countries and regions concerned.

The schools should primarily give lessons in China-related subjects or of advantage in Chinese higher education, according to the regulations. China encourages local universities and colleges to open overseas schools teaching a wider range of academic subjects.

The regulations also said overseas schools giving bachelor degree education or above should be approved by the Ministry of Education (MOE) through examination by local government and administrations.

The MOE said the regulations offered a set of rules for fast-growing overseas schools run by Chinese universities and enhanced the international competitiveness of Chinese higher education in line with China's entry into the World Trade Organization.

In recent years, more Chinese universities have actively participated in international competition and cooperation. So far, nearly 20 Chinese universities and institutes have opened overseas schools, showcasing the country's opening up and achievements in science and education.

(People's Daily January 8, 2003)