The year 2012 is truly a year of highlights in the German-Chinese relationship: China is hosting a year of Chinese culture in Germany, while in August the second German-Chinese intergovernmental consultations took place in Beijing, and now in October, both partners celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations with an illustrious ceremony at the National Center for the Performing Arts.

And it is clear that aside from politics and business, it is particularly the cultural dialog that brings people together and which serves as a basis for a better mutual understanding.

Recent data demonstrates the sustained German-Chinese cultural relationship: In the field of higher education alone, there are currently some 650 programs between German and Chinese universities.