8 April 2018

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met a group of students from Scotland on the first day of her official visit to China.

The group are studying in Tianjin through the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s Schools scholarship programme.

In Beijing FM @NicolaSturgeon met Scottish students studying in China through the Confucius Institute for Scotland's Schools #FMChina18 pic.twitter.com/Zjk1JTjDM1

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) April 8, 2018

During the visit in Beijing, she announced £754,000 of Scottish Government funding for the programme, which helps to build links between young people in both countries, improving language skills and widening horizons for those taking part.

FM @NicolaSturgeon has announced £754,000 funding for the Confucius Institute for Scotland's Schools: https://t.co/HXcYQu3t8l #FMChina18

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) April 8, 2018

The First Minister said:

“Scotland and China have longstanding links which we want to strengthen and one of the most important ways in which we can do that is through education.

“The work of the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s schools is so important – it has helped to engage more of our young people in learning about the culture, history and language of China, through the growing network of Confucius Classrooms.

“It was fascinating to meet some of the current Confucius scholars – including two pupils from my former school – and hear about their experiences in China.”

The First Minister will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong to carry out a range of engagements promoting economic, educational and cultural links between Scotland and China.