Japan and China are taking a huge step forward in their education and academic matters, as the top universities from both countries will be forming strategic partnerships, university officials said last Saturday.

Apart from the already existing cooperation between Japan and China, their collaboration expands when their top universities will open doors for greater academic and student exchanges.

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This new development was encouraged when the leaders of the two countries met last year.

Officials stated that The University of Tokyo and Peking University struck a basic deal on the premise of a "strategic partnership." The new partnership broadens the horizons of their relationship beyond the exchange agreements.

Now, various joint programs can be carried out more flexibly.

The agreement will be signed in Tokyo this coming March, with the presidents of both universities signing an agreement on the cooperation framework.

The new partnership between Japan and China is the first of its kind between two world-class institutions of higher education in the Asian region.

This agreement between universities takes place despite the fact of growing tension over China claiming the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands, as well as wartime historical issues.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to make an effort to restore bilateral ties to the foundation of a strategic relationship that could mutually benefit both countries.

Apart from the educational improvements, the summit meeting between the leaders of both countries also jumpstarted the cooperation of Asia's two biggest economies again.

Due to the summit, negotiations between the economies began new projects, most especially in the private sector.

Facilitating joint research is one of the chief aspects of the agreement between universities. Apart from it though, a plan under consideration is for the two universities to organize a summer program for undergraduate students, regardless of their majors.

It is hoped that the current agreement between universities will motivate other Japanese and Chinese institutions to follow suit.

Tagseducation, university, educational agreement, University of Tokyo