On October 22, 2025, the University of Rijeka welcomed representatives of Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications (XUPT), the only university in northwest China that specializes in telecommunications. Established in 1950, it is also the only higher education institution in northwest China founded by the former Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT). XUPT has gradually developed into a polytechnic university specializing in engineering and information sciences, and is located in Xi’an, a historic city in northwest China known for its magnificent ancient culture.
The three-member delegation from XUPT consisted of:
- Dong Jun, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Office,
- Jiang Jing, Dean of the School of Communications and Information Engineering,
- Qi Jinjin, Director of the Technology Transfer Office.
After a working meeting at the Faculty of Engineering, where they were welcomed by the Dean, Prof. Lado Kranjčević, Ph.D., and Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs, Prof. Jonatan Lerga, Ph.D., the delegation visited the University of Rijeka Rectorate, where they were greeted by the Interim Vice-Rector for Studies, Students and Quality Assurance, Prof. Marta Žuvić, Ph.D.
The XUPT representatives were happy to present their city of Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China. It is one of China’s four great ancient capitals, having held the position under 13 dynasties in Chinese history. The city was one of the terminal points on the Silk Road during the ancient and medieval eras, as well as the home of the 3rd-century BC Terracotta Army commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Chinese emperor. Both the Silk Road and the Terracotta Army are now listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Over the years, Xi’an has developed into a cultural, industrial, political, educational, and research and development center. Today, the Shaanxi Province is home to numerous industries (fiber optics, heavy agricultural machinery) and companies (BYD, Samsung, Xiaomi).
The meeting was an opportunity to exchange information about the structure of both universities, study opportunities, and cooperation with regional and national companies. Both sides agreed that, due to changes in the labor market and the emergence of new professions, the need for applied sciences is increasingly visible, which is often reflected at the national level. In addition to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, which are the focus of interest of Chinese colleagues, XUPT representatives expressed interest in connecting with other faculties of the University of Rijeka, especially in the fields of economics and business, mathematics, and physics. During their stay in Rijeka, XUPT representatives also visited the “Bura” supercomputer on the University Campus.
To further develop partnership and mutual friendship, XUPT presented the University of Rijeka with a symbolic gift: a personalized piece of silk with the names of the two universities written in calligraphy, with wishes for successful and long-term cooperation.
