Beijing Foreign Studies University now hosts a Greek Studies Centre. The opening ceremony took place on 12 May 2017 and keynote speakers were Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Rector of the University, Professor Han Zhen. Tsipras said that Greece and China do not only share a common past but also a common vision for the future that will be based on the better knowledge of each other. He also praised the role of educational and research institutions that can consistently pursue the common strategic target which is particularly important: namely, a full understanding between modern Greece and China
The role of the Greek Embassy in Beijing was catalytic for the establishment of the new Greek Studies Centre. Ambassador of Greece to China Leonidas Rokanas visited Beijing Foreign Studies University and met with its Rector, Professor Han Zhen in November 2016. Ambassador Rokanas then underscored the importance of the study of Greek language, especially for students in linguistics, humanities and social sciences, and the determination of the Embassy of Greece to support academic exchanges and cooperation between the Beijing Foreign Studies University and Greek academic institutions.
