Michael Wood has accepted the post of President of the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding (SACU). Mr Wood is Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester, a historian and television documentary maker whose books and programs on British history, India and China have become hugely popular with large audiences over many years. SACU has said that it is thrilled to have such a prominent new president working actively in promoting a better understanding of China.

Mr. Wood will hold two public talks for SACU in his new post as president. In the Spring, there will be one on his co-production between CCTV and BBC - Du Fu: China's Greatest Poet - which he describes as 'a road movie in the footsteps of Du Fu'. The film features readings of Du Fu’s poetry by Sir Ian McKellen. In autumn, he will be talking about his soon to be published book, The Story of China.

SACU was founded in 1965 by, among others, the renowned Sinologist Joseph Needham. His major work, Science and Civilisation in China, was the first to educate Western audiences on the historical significance of the many discoveries and inventions in China which predated those in the West, in some cases by centuries.

SACU has been working for over 50 years to promote friendship and understanding between the peoples of China and the UK. At its 50th anniversary celebration event, the Chinese ambassador said that SACU’s mandate is "to advance China-UK understanding and friendship. It is the mandate to carry forward, in this new age and with new ideas, the lofty cause of bridging gaps and strengthening bonds."

SACU appreciates that an understanding of history as well as working with the power of film and the media are necessary for it to advance its mandate in this new age. We, therefore, see Michael as a great asset to help us in the continuing delivery of our mission, being an eminent historian and filmmaker and also someone with a profound understanding of and affection for the peoples of China.