China’s Confucius Institutes to Enhance the Australian People’s Knowledge of China
November 23, 2023 – Confucius Institutes (CI) are synonymous with China’s soft diplomacy policy as they are promoting Chinese language and culture in some of the finest educational institutions around the world. These institutes offer public educational and cultural promotion programs that are aimed at educating the world about China and breaking the barriers of language and culture. In the recent China International Import Expo (CIIE), which was the 6th annual CIIE in Shanghai last week, the role of CI was yet again acknowledged by the participants from around the world.
“Better knowledge of China is crucially important to Australia, with China being by far its largest trading partner, comprising around one-third of the nation’s trade.” Said John Queripel, a Newcastle, Australia based, writer, historian and social commentator in an opinion article published in China Daily. “With connections between Australia and China again growing so rapidly, Chinese language skills in particular are set to become ever more important in Australia in coming years and Confucius Institutes are well placed to deliver.” He added.
“China-Australia relations are mature with a complementary nature.“ said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum. ”Traded goods and services have nearly doubled since the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement came into force in 2015, making more and more high-quality Australian products available to consumers in China and providing key inputs to Chinese businesses.” He added.
Just like many developed and developing nations worldwide, China is the largest trading partner of Australia. Therefore, there is a constant need of educating the people of Australia about the language and culture of China. This void is being filled by the institute with its 13 branches in the top educational institutions across Australia. This is why the courses and seminars run by the Confucius Institutes in Australia are aimed at increasing business and economic contacts are crucial as they improve trade and investment opportunities between Australia and China. Scholarships are also offered by the institutes, enabling recipients to reside in China and receive a stipend for further study.
To facilitate these economic, business, and political exchanges, the institutes run a variety of courses built around language skills, cross-cultural training, business etiquette, marketing strategies, including e-commerce, negotiation skills and management. These are all designed to assist Australian businesses in the burgeoning Chinese market. The CI serve as a catalyst for economic growth and a deeper understanding and appreciation of China by the wider Australian populace.
This general appreciation of China in the broader Australian context is important at a time of rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific, and general lack of knowledge concerning China in Australia. Moreover, the institutes also prepare students for the Chinese Proficiency Test, a worldwide test of Chinese language set by China’s Ministry of Education. The exam result is the only officially recognized Chinese language proficiency certificate for foreigners applying to study and/or work in the Chinese mainland. Furthermore, Confucius Institutes are also involved in organizing Chinese language proficiency contests, with the best invited to compete in China.
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Company Name: Communication University of China
Contact Person: John Queripel
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Country: China
Website: https://www.ci.cn/en/
