China's higher education is competing with foreign universities in attracting students and educating talents with practical skills. But educators, university leaders and faculty remain optimistic, figuring out ways to tackle the challenge.

Qin Shaode, member of the Education, Science, Culture and Health Committee of the 11th National People's Congress, says that Chinese universities and colleges have been in an intensive global competition, tougher than any internal battles. However, this is not a cause for concern.

'It is a competition of quality, reputation and faculty. World-class universities are interested in our high-school students. We should concentrate on building our universities to become more attractive to students with a higher quality of education.'

Data from the Ministry of Education shows that almost 340,000 Chinese left to study abroad in 2011, up nearly 20% percent from the previous year. For example, in the US, China is now sending more college students to study there than any other country.

Qin Shaode adds that for universities and colleges, to be desirable is to be unique, with distinctive ways of teaching and researching that will attract students.

Wang Liming, Vice President of Renmin University in Beijing, says that the best way to deal with global competition is to face it, adding that it is important to welcome foreign students, not just worry about the ones who leave and don't come back.

'On the one hand, we can send more students overseas. On the other, we can absorb foreign education resources, including the way they research and teach, making our courses more diverse. But all in all, we hope the Chinese students will receive the best education in our own country, and that's what universities in China are working towards.'

Another important aspect of higher education is professional and vocational training. Professor with Donghua University in Shanghai and NPC deputy Yan Chengzhong says that China, a country with strong manufacturing, fast-paced industry and innovation, should nurture highly-skilled talents.

'We should educate these talents with professional and technical skills, as well as international vision. Theory is not enough. Practical skills can meet the dynamic needs of modern China.'

Yan Zhongcheng says countries like Germany, Australia and Canada have been emphasizing professional training and skills, which makes them more competitive in higher education when compared to countries focusing on teaching.

The competition between Chinese and foreign higher education may not have a clear cut winner, but it is an incentive to make Chinese higher education better.