'Field trip' to China a valuable experience for Prince William

The upcoming China visit will be a rare and important "field trip" for Britain's Prince William to experience in person the great Asian civilization and promote bilateral exchanges.

For nearly three decades, no senior British royal family member has set foot on China after Queen Elizabeth II's tour in 1986. The duke of Cambridge's arrival in Beijing later on Sunday is expected to make history.

Though the prince lives far away from China, he will surely have screaming fans and friendly well-wishers along his track in this country, as the Chinese public have demonstrated strong interest in news relating to the British royal family.

The second-in-line to the British throne will have the opportunity to engage directly with Chinese officials, students, ethnic minorities and people from different social communities to learn about the real conditions of China and how Chinese people feel about his country.

These first-hand experiences will become valuable assets for Prince William, an ambassador from London who is keen to help promote commercial and cultural exchanges with Beijing, and may also serve other royal family members with fresh knowledge about China.

Against the backdrop of some Western reports that Prince William will go "behind enemy lines" and take issue with Beijing on ivory ban and African elephant protection, the royalty will learn about China's commitment and efforts on protecting wildlife by visiting an elephant sanctuary in southwest China's Yunnan province.

He will be able to conduct direct and in-depth exchange of views with local staff, residents and officials on wildlife protection. Moreover, the Chinese side would like to draw on the royalty's experience and influence on the issue to advance domestic and international efforts on wildlife protection.

Beijing's recent one-year ban on imports of African ivory carvings is a fresh measure on the issue and will provide quantified evaluation of how effective China's policies can help with elephant protection.

Meanwhile, the engagement of Prince William, who plays a non-political role, in promoting Britain's industries of culture, creativity and education in China, will also help boost cultural and people-to-people exchanges and friendship between the countries.