Peking University head sorry for slip-up

Peking University President Lin Jianhua has apologized after his mispronunciation of a word at its 120th anniversary celebration triggered online criticism.

Lin made the mistake while delivering a speech meant to inspire students at Peking University's 120th anniversary ceremony on Friday. It triggered heated debate online, with some netizens criticizing Lin for not knowing the word and questioning whether he was qualified to be head of one of China's best universities - known as the country's Harvard.

The word should be pronounced "honghu", indicating birds that can fly high. The president pronounced it as "honghao", which has no meaning.