Through eight years of dedicated efforts, the National Central Library successfully establishes its third Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies (TRCCS) in Italy at the University of Naples “L’Orientale,” completing a prestigious academic network alongside Venice and Rome.

On the morning of September 4, 2026 (local time), the National Central Library (NCL) of Taiwan signed a formal cooperation agreement with the University of Naples “L’Orientale.” This landmark agreement establishes a new Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies (TRCCS) at the university, marking the NCL’s 58th global partner. This significant milestone successfully completes the NCL’s strategic academic triad in Italy’s leading institutions for Chinese studies, following its prior establishments at the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and the Sapienza University of Rome, and further expands Taiwan’s international academic influence.

The official signing ceremony was co-chaired by Dr. Chih-Tsung Weng, Acting Director-General of the NCL, and Professor Roberto Tottoli, Rector of the University of Naples “L’Orientale.” The historic event was witnessed by key faculty members specializing in Sinology, including Professor Donatella Gagliardi (Director of the University Library), Professor Andrea Manzo, Professor Luisa Paternico, Professor Valeria Varriano, and Professor Chiara Visconti. Secretary Shun-ping Hsu of the Taipei Representative Office in Italy was also in attendance to celebrate this momentous occasion, contributing to the warm and vibrant academic exchange.

Acting Director-General Dr. Weng stated that Italian Sinology is highly respected worldwide, with the nation's leading research institutions being the University of Naples “L’Orientale,” Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and Sapienza University of Rome. The latter two institutions partnered with the NCL to establish TRCCS locations in 2018. Following eight years of diligent and persistent cultivation, the NCL has welcomed the University of Naples “L’Orientale” as its 58th global partner in 2026. This addition marks the successful completion of the TRCCS academic network in Italy.

To mark the inauguration, the NCL has carefully selected and donated 248 titles (volumes) on Chinese and Taiwan studies, with a commitment to providing annual updates. Furthermore, building on the foundation of physical book and journal exchange, the NCL is actively promoting digital innovation. Once the TRCCS is officially operational, it will grant the university's scholars expanded access to Taiwan’s rich digital collections and electronic academic databases.

In his address, Rector Tottoli expressed his great pleasure and high regard for the establishment of the TRCCS. The signing ceremony was specially arranged in the prestigious Mirrors Room of Palazzo Corigliano, an officially designated cultural heritage (Patrimonio Culturale) site. Rector Tottoli expressed confidence that the new TRCCS will inject substantial research energy and provide an invaluable exchange platform for the university’s Department of Asian, African and Mediterranean Studies and its prominent journal, Ming Qing Yanjiu. Demonstrating his strong support, Rector Tottoli personally hosted the signing ceremony and the celebratory reception, and guided a tour of the university library's treasures, showcasing its precious collection of rare Chinese books.

Notably, Rector Tottoli visited Taiwan over a decade ago, during which he toured the National Palace Museum to view its precious cultural treasures. Dr. Weng warmly extended an invitation to Rector Tottoli to visit Taiwan once again. Dr. Weng also mentioned that on September 1, the NCL had just convened representatives from five major Taiwanese academic institutions, including the National Palace Museum and Academia Historica at Heidelberg University in Germany. This delegation introduced European scholars to Taiwan's leading academic databases, the latest digitized resources from the National Palace Museum, and valuable national archives, including the presidential records of Taiwan's successive presidents, such as President Lai Ching-te.

To commemorate this auspicious partnership, the NCL presented the university with two exquisite facsimile editions of its national treasures: The Diamond Sutra, which is the earliest surviving text printed in two-color ink, and the Annotated Poems of Mr. Su Dongpo (Zhu Dongpo Xiansheng Shi), a Song Dynasty edition designated as a national treasure in Taiwan. Dr. Weng provided Rector Tottoli with a detailed introduction to the provenance of these works and their significance as protected national cultural assets. These prestigious gifts beautifully symbolize the shared commitment of Taiwan and Italy to the preservation of human knowledge and the promotion of bilateral cultural exchange.