The 10th Confucius Institute Conference to be held in Shanghai

Wang Yongli, deputy director General of the Council of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, middle, introduced the upcoming Confucius Institute Conference at the press conference. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Wang Yongli, deputy director General of the Council of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, said at the press conference that Confucius Institutes will focus on strengthening the development of its connotation and improving the quality of teaching.

"Some countries have already brought Chinese into their education systems. In the future, China will help more countries to establish a complete Chinese education system. We will send teams of experts to train local Chinese teachers, write Chinese teaching textbooks and materials, and establish a talent education system," said Wang.

Benefiting from the UK, France, Germany and Spain's experience in promoting their national languages, China began its own exploration through establishing non-profit public institutions which aim to promote Chinese language and culture in foreign countries in 2004. Up to now, a total of 500 Confucius Institutes and 100 Confucius Classrooms have been established in 134 countries and regions across five continents, with millions of registered students.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the UK, he attended the UK Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms Annual Conference in London, and delivered a speech. He stressed that language is the best key to understand a country and that Confucius Institutes serve as important platforms to help the world know China. They have played an active role in facilitating people around the world to learn the Chinese language and understand its culture. In addition, they have also made important contributions to China’s people-to-people exchanges with the world, as well as the development of a diverse and colorful world civilization.

The Confucius Institute Conference has been successfully held for nine consecutive years. As an annual grand event for Confucius Institutes around the globe, the conference is devoted to promoting the sound development of Confucius Institutes by summarizing experience, enhancing exchanges and strengthening cooperation.