Editor's note: Ocean University of China, located in Qingdao, Shandong province, stands out for its pioneering teaching and research on ocean and marine subjects. China Daily reporters Zhang Yue and Xie Chuanjiao take a closer look at the university's recent efforts to engage with other institutions in the international arena as it prepares for its 90th anniversary in October.

OUC sets up worldwide network for marine research and education

Because the ocean is essential to the existence and development of mankind, concerted efforts are needed in marine sciences across the globe, according to Li Huajun, vice-president of Ocean University of China.

And he sees the university in a key role.

"Conducting research and cooperating in other ways with overseas universities can foster friendship among young people. And it can also play a modest part in preventing international disputes," he said.

One of the university's key priorities in recent years has been to establish global cooperation platforms and a network for marine research and education.

In the past few years, strategic partnerships have been developed with top universities and research institutes. High-level marine cooperation platforms have been established, such as the Center for Sino-German Cooperation in Marine Sciences and the Sino-Australian Research Center for Coastal Management.

While cooperating with partners from developed countries, the university attaches particular importance to the promotion of cooperation and exchange with ASEAN countries, and with island countries such as Cape Verde, Fiji and the Seychelles.

Ocean studies require observations to be made in different areas.

"It is impossible for any individual or single organization to obtain worthwhile results by simply standing at their front door," Li said.

"Realizing the Chinese dream of recreating the Maritime Silk Road requires further effective and fruitful cooperation in the fields of marine education and research, both regionally and globally," he said. "And OUC will direct its efforts towards the exploration, development and protection of the ocean, as well as to the training of high quality talent, to promote the harmonious coexistence between mankind and the ocean."

OUC became the first research institute in China to join the University of the Arctic, an international cooperative network, in June 2013.

Last year, a total of 1,241 students from 64 countries studied at OUC.

"This is because OUC has established one of the most comprehensive programs for ocean-related majors," said Wu Lixin, a professor at the university's physical oceanography laboratory who is also a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

"I think this is our attraction to students from all over the world."

The university will celebrate its 90th anniversary in October.

"I believe our strength in the future will lie in interdisciplinary programs that combine the existing marine majors with humanities subjects, and we will develop better integrated ocean sciences in the near future," Li Huajun said.

"Efforts should be made to promote the development of the marine economy and marine technology, protect the ocean environment, steadily improve marine-related law, foster marine culture and safeguard ocean security, so as to pursue mankind's marine development in a scientific way and promote the building of a harmonious ocean," he said.