China's schools on the way up

SHANGHAI - "It is inevitable that China will climb up university rankings in the years to come."

This statement from Phil Baty, editor of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, lines up with China's optimism that it will produce world-class universities. But there are still hurdles to overcome, experts say.

Universities from China's mainland slipped this year in the Times' global rankings. Peking University dropped 10 places from last year to 49th, and Tsinghua University fell to 71th place. Among Asian universities, Peking is ranked No 4 and Tsinghua No 8.