On May 28, SCMU’s Bortala Center for Research on Consolidating a Strong Sense of Community for the Chinese Nation was officially inaugurated at the Bortala Socialist Institute in Xinjiang. Qin Rui, University Party Committee Standing Committee Member and Vice President, Li Conghao, Dean of the School of Chinese Nation Community Studies (Institute of Chinese Nation Community Studies), Muhefu Li Aishan, Standing Committee Member of the CPC Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture Committee, Head of the United Front Work Department, and Deputy Secretary of the Prefecture CPPCC Party Group, and Liang Jian, Party Secretary and Deputy Director of the Prefecture Ethnic Affairs Commission, jointly unveiled the center.

Bortala Center unveiling ceremony. Photo by Liu Xiang

Following the unveiling ceremony, both parties held a discussion meeting. During the meeting, Qin Rui introduced SCMU’s educational history, achievements, and disciplinary structure characterized by “strong liberal arts, robust sciences, advanced engineering, and distinguished arts programs”. Muhefu Li Aishan outlined Bortala Prefecture’s work and major accomplishments in consolidating a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Both parties expressed their shared commitment to using this inauguration as a starting point to substantially advance a “collaborative partnership model” between the university and local government. This partnership will fully leverage SCMU’s Research Base for Consolidating a Strong Sense of Community for the Chinese Nation’s advantages in theoretical research and faculty expertise, while drawing on Bortala Prefecture’s rich practical experience in consolidating community consciousness. The collaboration aims to continuously advance research and interpretation of community consciousness and create new opportunities for the Party’s ethnic work in the new era.

Discussion meeting scene.

Photo courtesy of Bortala Prefecture Ethnic Affairs Commission

The establishment of the Bortala Center represents a concrete implementation of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thoughts on strengthening and improving ethnic work. It provides a new platform for the university to deepen ethnic theory research and promote the dissemination and interpretation of consolidating a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, further advancing the university’s substantive work in this critical area.