China Establishes University Named After 'Father of Chinese Missiles'

Founder of China's Space Program 'Qian Xuesen' Science and Technology University
Expresses Determination to Lead in Space Development Competition with the United States

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese authorities, competing with the United States in space development, are reportedly establishing a science and technology university named after Qian Xuesen (錢學森 1911?2009), known as the "Father of Missiles" and the "Rocket King" of China, according to the Chinese state-run Global Times on the 12th.

The university is planned to be established in Liuyang City, Hunan Province, and the university's name will be that of Qian Xuesen, the founder of China's space program, the Global Times reported. The newspaper added that this university reflects the education authorities' intention to create a university focused on space-related technologies such as supersonic rockets.

Chinese netizens expressed support for the establishment of this university, saying, "Qian Xuesen's spirit will give the current young generation in China the strength to overcome the United States."

Zhao Qizheng, a nuclear physicist and former director of the State Council of China, said, "As the United States tightens regulations on Chinese students and researchers, China now needs a top science and technology university." He emphasized, "The current crackdown by the United States on Chinese technological talents may actually promote China's technological self-reliance. To achieve this, China must have a technology university supported by excellent professors, outstanding students, and sufficient funding."

Qian Xuesen, originally from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Tsinghua University’s College of Engineering, and earned a Ph.D. in aerospace and mathematics from the California Institute of Technology in the United States. During World War II, he served as the missile chief at the U.S. Defense Science Board, making remarkable contributions.

He also founded the Institute of Mechanics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, leading missile development and aeronautics research. He achieved successes in China’s first nuclear test and satellite launch, and is credited with laying the foundation for the 2003 manned spacecraft launch.