Photo: iStock
Alexandra Zoltai
15/08/2024 07:00
China set up the Confucius Institutes network in 2004 and since then there are more than 450 institutes in some 150 countries around the world. The Confucius Institute has become a success story of Chinese soft power. Since then, these institutes have been extremely popular in their host countries and have played an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Confucius Institutes are cultural and educational institutions established by the Chinese government to teach and deepen the understanding of Chinese culture and language. The Institutes are dedicated to the study of traditional Chinese philosophy and culture, as well as to the teaching of Chinese language. The Institutes operate in many countries around the world and offer a wide range of programmes to immerse students in Chinese culture and language. They work closely with local universities, colleges and other educational institutions.
One of the most important activities at the institutes is Chinese language teaching, offering Chinese language courses at all levels from beginner to native speaker, as well as support for international Chinese language examinations such as the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK). The institutes also aim to promote Chinese culture and traditions. They also offer various cultural programmes such as exhibitions, art lectures, film screenings and Chinese painting and calligraphy workshops.
The institutes showcase the diversity and richness of Chinese culture, promoting cultural exchanges and mutual understanding. The Confucius Institutes also offer research opportunities, with teams of researchers constantly exploring issues in Chinese language, literature, history, philosophy and other subjects. This research contributes to the development of Chinese culture and scholarship, and helps to preserve and carry forward traditional Chinese values in the modern world.
Events and programmes are open not only to students but also to the general public. Through Chinese film festivals and cultural events, the institutes create opportunities for local communities to learn more about Chinese culture. The Confucius Institutes play an important role not only in promoting Chinese culture and language, but also in strengthening international relations. They offer opportunities for cultural and academic exchanges between Chinese and foreign students, teachers and researchers.
The author is a researcher at the Eurasia Center
