Since 1992, more than 60 departments under the State Council have participated in the reform, involving 900 universities, laying a solid foundation for the 21st Century, announced an official from the Ministry of Education in Beijing Monday.

The official noted that after nine years of reform, the number of China's universities has reduced from 556 to 232. By merging with other colleges, a large number of new comprehensive universities have enhanced their academic level.

Experts said that although the number of universities were reduced, the overall arrangement of Chinese universities has been reasonable.

In recent years, China has readjusted the management system of 509 universities, with 360 universities handed over to local governments by the central government.

China has succeeded in establishing the higher education system by stressing provincial-level coordination under the central government's supervision.

More than 300 universities have increased cooperation, with over 200 universities becoming joint-run universities.

Further efforts should be made to reinforce the reform including that of higher education structure and arrangement, stressed the official.

(Xinhua 11/06/2000)