Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) set up its own alumni association in Beijing Saturday afternoon, 72 years after its establishment.

More than 300 alumni representatives who had studied at BFSU and become leading figures in various sectors came and witnessed the launching ceremony.

"The voice and help from more than 80,000 alumni at home and aboard secure BFSU to move forward and step up to a higher level of development. I hope the association could become a platform where alumni could help and inspire each other," said Han Zhen, president of BFSU, at the launch ceremony.

Founded in Yan'an in 1941, BFSU was China's first institution specializing in foreign languages. Dubbed the "diplomat's cradle," the university has seen more than 400 graduates become ambassadors.