On June 4, José Julio Gómez Beato, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to China, led a delegation to visit Qingdao Binhai University. The university’s founder and president, Han Fangxi, Executive Vice President Han Xiaomeng, Vice President Sun Ying, and Secretary of the Party Committee of the Affiliated Hospital, Gai Qingyun, warmly welcomed the delegation. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on educational cooperation and cultural exchange, adding new momentum to the friendly relations between China and the Dominican Republic.

Accompanied by Executive Vice President Han Xiaomeng, Ambassador Gómez toured the Affiliated Hospital, the Medical Museum, the Global Village, and the World Natural Ecology Museum of Animal Specimens at Qingdao Binhai University.

At the Dazhu Mountain Campus, Ambassador Gómez, President Han Fangxi, and representatives of the university’s faculty and students jointly planted a ginkgo tree—symbolizing lasting friendship.

The official symposium was held at the International Academic Exchange Center of the Affiliated Hospital. During the meeting, the delegation viewed the university’s promotional video. President Han Fangxi further introduced the university’s philosophy of internationalized education. He emphasized that as the Belt and Road Initiative continues to deepen, Qingdao Binhai University will expand its international "circle of friends" in education and cultural exchange, and provide a broader platform for cultivating high-quality, globally-minded application-oriented talent.

Ambassador Gómez praised the university’s achievements in talent cultivation and international engagement. He expressed keen interest in the university’s progress in medical research and highly commended its advanced teaching facilities and inclusive campus culture. “China is a great country that has offered considerable support to the Dominican people,” he said. He hoped this visit would serve as a catalyst for practical cooperation in higher education, faculty and student exchanges, and academic research between the two nations. In a symbolic gesture, Ambassador Gómez presented the university with larimar—a rare gemstone unique to the Dominican Republic—while President Han Fangxi gifted the ambassador a traditional Chinese painting.

That afternoon, a student and faculty dialogue session was held at the university’s central library. Ambassador Gómez delivered an engaging speech, using vivid imagery, photos, and videos to introduce the national conditions and customs of the Dominican Republic, helping students appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Caribbean civilization. During the interactive session, students conversed with the ambassador in English, Spanish, and Chinese, discussing topics such as employment, cuisine, and studying abroad. When asked how to pursue one’s dreams, the ambassador replied, “Learn from great people, stay focused, and be persistent.” Han Xiaomeng commented that the ambassador’s inspiring speech brought not only the sound of Caribbean waves but also a deep appreciation for the richness of Dominican culture.

Later, the university’s International Academic Exchange Center hosted a roundtable forum co-organized by the Qingdao Binhai University Alumni Association, where alumni business leaders met with Ambassador Gómez. The session was moderated by Alumni Association Secretary-General Fang Xiaotian.

Ambassador Gómez introduced the Dominican Republic’s unique geographical location, rich natural resources, investment environment, policy frameworks, and market demands. He warmly welcomed alumni entrepreneurs to invest and expand their businesses in the Dominican Republic. Alumni entrepreneurs from various sectors—such as advanced manufacturing, technological innovation, international trade, cultural tourism, financial services, and modern agriculture—participated in the forum.

During the roundtable, four distinguished alumni—Song Kui, Executive President of the Alumni Association and General Manager of Qingdao Xio International Trade Co., Ltd.; Qiu Run, Chairman of Shengkai International; Jiang Xuejia, General Manager of Shandong Xinwo Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd.; and Lu Bensen, Chairman of Miaosen Sanhe Port Service Co., Ltd.—engaged in insightful discussions with the ambassador on economic cooperation and development opportunities.

The delegation also enjoyed performances of traditional Chinese music and martial arts, experiencing the richness of Chinese culture firsthand.

Vice President Sun Ying noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Dominican Republic in 2018, the two countries have continuously deepened exchanges in education and cultural fields. The ambassador’s visit has expanded the university’s international education network and laid a solid foundation for future cooperation in education, business, and other areas between Qingdao Binhai University and the Dominican Republic.

Since its founding, Qingdao Binhai University has prioritized internationalization. It has established exchange and joint education programs with over 140 universities and research institutions in more than 40 countries and regions—including Russia, the U.S., France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The university has also launched diversified “Study Abroad Express” pathways, primarily in a “2+2” model, to nurture global talent and enhance students' foreign language skills and international perspectives. Moving forward, the university will also provide support to Dominican students coming to study in China.

In recent years, the relationship between China and the Dominican Republic has maintained steady and healthy development. Alumni of Qingdao Binhai University, following the school motto “Pioneering, Diligent, Honest, and Pragmatic,” have actively participated in bilateral trade, social housing projects, and urban development initiatives. They have also promoted collaboration in new energy and clean urban energy, making positive contributions to improving living conditions in the Dominican Republic.