Just came across a very sincere and open interview with Rem, hosted by the University of Amsterdam, conducted by two students from the faculty of business and economics two years ago, in which he specifically talks about the relevance of China and the importance to engage with it personally:

"From our research for the European Union (...) [we found that] there is an outrageous lack of curiosity and outrageous lack of vision in young, individual europeans. (..) in order to know how to live an interesting live and to prepare for a serious future, one should not just go to China but learn Chinese and study there! Engage."

(from 49min 30seconds onwards)

Good choice. 

In addition he describes his experiences with Tsinghua University in Beijing, the host of this 'China Builds blog' where he proposed to present and comment on his provoking CCTV building design after it won the competition, but was heavily criticized by popular opinion. 
Within the university (he describes) young and old scholars formed critical opinions in an open atmosphere that lead to a constructive acceptation and a worthwhile dialogue from both sides. 

(from around 55min onwards)

Rem Koolhaas interviewed by two students, on China, economy, Europe and the world.

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