Confucius Institute Celebrates 10th Anniversary

WANT CHINA TIMES -- The Chinese government and people will continue to support Confucius Institutes as the Chinese education centers abroad enter their second decade of existence, according to comments attributed to Chinese president Xi Jinping on Saturday. The institutes, named after ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, serve as nonprofit public institutions to help foreigners better understand China through language teaching and culture introduction in universities overseas. The first such institute 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. A calligraphy lesson held at the Confucius Institute in San Francisco State University to celebrate Confucius Institute Day, September 28.