A NORTH-EAST university is to strengthen its ties with its Chinese counterparts following an agreement last week.

Durham University has collaborated with Renmin University for 20 years in politics, European and Asian studies but is looking to expand.

The agreement was signed last week by University vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman and the Renmin President, Professor Ji Baocheng.

Over the next three years, the universities will link up in areas such as business and law studies.

Sir Kenneth said it was "absolutely vital" to maintain and expand links with other universities, which involve exchanges and joint work.

There are currently 200 students from China studying at Durham.