On 7 December 2023, Consul General Tang Rui visited Durham University and met with its Vice Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien.

Consul General Tang said, since he took office in July, he has visited a number of universities to learn more about educational exchanges and cooperation in the consular area. The Durham University is a world renowned University with long history and deep cultural heritage, and is a favorable destination of study for Chinese students. Benefit from its frequent exchanges and cooperation with China, the University has achieved fruitful cooperation with Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing University and other Chinese universities, playing an active role in promoting knowledge sharing. Consul General Tang thanked the University for its firm support and guidance to the Chinese students in their study and life as well as their integration into local communities. The Chinese government encourages and supports the opening up of education to the outside world, and he hopes that the University will continue to promote cooperation with Chinese higher education institutions, stay open, learn from each other, and contribute to the educational exchanges and cooperation between China and the UK. The Consulate General will continue to provide support. 

Professor Karen O'Brien welcomed Consul General Tang Rui and the delegation to visit the Durham University, saying that the University attaches great importance to cooperation with China, and has carried out extensive and in-depth cooperation with Chinese universities in many fields, such as physics and archaeology. The Durham University, as a representative of the traditional collegiate universities in the UK, is committed to provide thoughtful care for Chinese and other international students in their study and life. In recent years, China has experienced transformative changes and the Durham University encourages and supports UK students to go to China to study and experience through various exchanges, and to become friendship ambassadors for cultural and education exchanges between China and the UK. Professor Karen O'Brien expressed thanks to the Consulate General for its long-term support and the University will continue to strengthen communication with the Consulate General so as to ensure a good learning and living environment for Chinese students.