After learning the calamity in Japan, Professor Zhou Qifeng, President of Peking University (PKU), delivered a consolatory letter to all Japanese faculty members and students at PKU.

Dear Japanese teachers and students:

A magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off northern Japan at 13:46, March 11, creating extremely destructive tsunami waves. The earthquake and tsunami have caused extensive and severe damage, leaving thousands of people confirmed dead, injured or missing, and millions more without power or water. On behalf of all PKU staff and students, I wish to express our deepest condolences over the lost lives in the calamity and extend our sincere sympathy to the Japanese teachers and students at school.

When news of earthquake reached China, we are shocked by the huge disaster. Yet when we see pictures of orderly queues of evacuees and cultivated behaviors of the Japanese, we are amazed at their fortitude, calmness and confidence in the face of the disaster. As neighbors separated only by a strip of water, China and Japan have enjoyed close economic cooperation and frequent personnel exchanges. PKU has established a profound friendship with Japanese universities and colleges during the long-term and close cooperation. I am delighted to see nearly 300 Japanese exchange students educated at PKU each year, as well as many Japanese experts. Correspondingly, we are sending a large number of students every year to Japan for advanced study. Therefore, we are rather concerned about the present situation and have attached high attention to the severe damage caused by the tragic disaster. Shortly after the earthquake, we got in contact with your families in Japan and confirmed their safety. We are working hard with all staff and students to find the proper channels for donations and other kinds of support.

It is our deep conviction that, with concerted efforts and strong confidence, we will be strong enough to stand up and tide over difficulties, no matter how devastating the earthquake is. In the end, I wish all of you health and happiness!

Zhou Qifeng, President of Peking University
March 17, 2011

Translated by: Wang Shiqin
Edited by: Arthars
Source: PKU News (Chinese)