Ms Sturgeon also promised to work to improve consciousness of China in Scotland, especially through the education system (which has long been devolved and has developed separately from that in England). There already exists a program to develop knowledge and understanding of China and its language and culture in Scottish schools; more than 200 schools already participate in this, and Ms Sturgeon has now negotiated some additional Chinese funding for the expansion of this program, including the supply of funds for Scottish local authorities for an extra six Mandarin teaching posts across Scotland. The "Confucius Classroom" learning program is also to be extended to primary schools. (Scotland is very proud of its devolved education system, which is widely believed to be superior to that prevailing in England.)

There was no formal political element to Ms Sturgeon's visit, as Scotland is not a sovereign country, but she did not conceal her interest in the workings of the Hong Kong Special Autonomous Region and the "one country, two systems" principle, which is of obvious interest in the light of the "high degree of autonomy" currently being negotiated between the Scottish government in Edinburgh and the central government in London, following Scotland's decision to stay within the U.K. last year. Not only the education system but also the legal framework have long evolved separately in England and Wales on the one hand and in Scotland on the other - until 1707 Scotland was an independent country with her own body of law, which was preserved under the union agreement with England. Ms Sturgeon hopes that Scotland may be able to make use of its autonomy to achieve specific economic goals for the benefit of the whole country, as Hong Kong does for China. There are many different forms of governance in the world, and it is always a good idea for countries to compare notes and learn from each another's experiences.

As a resident of Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, I am delighted to see strong Chinese participation in the local academic life, and to hear Chinese spoken on our streets, especially as numbers of Chinese tourists have increased massively in recent years and visa restrictions have been, most appropriately, relaxed. Many Britons fear that interest in our country has been too narrowly focused on London for too long. In both commercial and cultural contexts, we are keen to remind the world that there are other parts of the U.K. which are every bit as interesting!

The writer is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/timcollard.htm

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