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September 28, 2014

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Support pledge for Confucius institute

Source: Xinhua | September 28, 2014, Sunday | Print Edition

THE Chinese government and people will continue to support Confucius Institutes as the Chinese education centers abroad enter their second decade of existence, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a letter yesterday.

At a ceremony marking the first Confucius Institute Day and the 10th anniversary of the institutes’ establishment, Vice Premier Liu Yandong read from a letter by Xi in which he congratulated teachers and students of Confucius Institutes all over the world.

The institutes, named after the ancient Chinese philosopher, serve as non-profit public institutions to help foreigners better understand China through language teaching and culture in universities overseas. The first was established in 2004.

To date, China has opened 465 Confucius Institutes in 123 countries and regions. There are also 713 Confucius Classrooms operating in middle and primary schools.

“Confucius Institutes belong to China and the world as well,” Xi wrote. “Let us make joint efforts to promote civilization among mankind, enhance people’s heart-to-heart communication and create a brighter future for mankind together.”

The president said that he has received letters from 286 principals of Confucius Institutes from 90 countries and regions upon the anniversary.

“You mentioned that the Confucius Institute is a symbol of China’s unremitting efforts for world peace and international cooperation and links the Chinese people and people of other countries. And you have full confidence in the bright future of the institutes. I deeply appreciate those remarks,” Xi said of the letters.

Over the past 10 years, the institutes have been vigorous in launching Mandarin teaching and cultural communication programs and have played an important role in enhancing understanding and friendship between Chinese people and people of other countries, he said.

Xi praised Confucius Institute principals for their enthusiasm and efforts in disseminating knowledge.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also wrote a congratulatory letter, urging the institutes to further improve teaching quality and contribute more to promoting the diversity of world cultures. His letter was also read by Liu during yesterday’s ceremony.

Liu said that she hoped the institutes can better meet foreigners’ needs in learning Mandarin and about Chinese culture.

Delegates at the institutes’ global conference in December 2013 set September 27, 2014 as the first Confucius Institute Day.

The presidents of some 400 universities in more than 90 countries and regions have sent letters expressing support.

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