On October 20 2016, ICCIC members and Beijing Bailie University (BBU) teachers and students gathered in the BBU to welcome the delegation from the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding (SACU). More than 50 people participated.
Chairman of ICCIC Michael Crook greeted the visitors and gave the brief introduction of the ICCIC; president of the BBU Yu Lin introduced the history and development of the BBU. Three members of the SACU delegation spoke. Andrew Hicks presented a copy of the book A True Friend to China to the ICCIC and the BBU. It’s an absorbing history of the Friends Ambulance Unit (FAU) work in China between 1945 and 1951. Walter Fung, council member of the SACU introduced their publication China Eye. It’s a widely respected magazine giving an independent view of all aspects of China and is published quarterly.
All participators visited the BBU campus, including classrooms and students' dormitories.
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About the SACU: (From SACU Website)
SACU was founded in 1965, the first Chairman and prime mover was Dr. Joseph Needham of Cambridge University ably assisted by Derek Bryan. In the 1970s SACU was one of very few organizations who could arrange visits to China. Anyone wishing to travel had to pass an interview and attend a short course. SACU has always kept independent with no political and governmental affiliations, during difficult times it has sought understanding and provide accurate reporting. Membership numbers at one stage reached 1,800 with offices and staff in London. The tours flourished into the 1980s, but with the opening up of China, mainstream travel companies began competing and so SACU China Tours ceased in 1989. Throughout the last 45 years, SACU has published a newsletter and/or a magazine with specialist articles on all aspects of China and Chinese culture. The organization is now more modest in size and is run by a dedicated bunch of volunteers.
