In Shanghai the Federation of University Sports China signed a strategic partnership agreement with the PAC-12 Conference, one of the most noteworthy sports conferences in U-S college sports. The deal is the latest bid to strengthen ties between the two nations through sport and promote college basketball in China.

The cooperation was witnessed by government officials, top sportsmen and sports business leaders at the China-US University Sport and Education Summit.

Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott says the agreement will help develop the sport at the grass-roots level in this country, alongside former Chinese basketball player Yao Ming's charity foundation.

In Shanghai the Federation of University Sports China signed a strategic partnership agreement with the PAC-12 Conference, one of the most noteworthy sports conferences in U-S college sports. The deal is the latest bid to strengthen ties between the two nations through sport and promote college basketball in China.

This year's topics included how excellent education and athletics can co-exist in universities in China and the US. Participants shared views on the differences between the two countries' systems. 

The topics also involved in how cooperation and communication on university sports can foster growth, and the opportunities and challenges of university sports development in China. 

"The young generation of athletes are more eager to show their personalties. I think students will define themselves, and show off their personalities both on the playground and in the classroom," said Yao.

"We should set up the idea that excellent education and athletics can co-exist first. Based on this idea, we will start reforming our universities' mechanisms, training facilities and support system to make sure more students can do well in both sports and education," Yi said.

"I think people-to-people exchange is very important..." said Danette Leighton, PAC-12 Conference CMO.