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As of July 2010, 316 Confucius Institutes had been opened in more than 90 countries and regions. None of the institutes was established without the request and consent of host universities and colleges.
According to an introduction posted on the website of the Beijing-based Confucius Institute headquarters, in order for an institute to be established, a foreign partner needs to apply first. After the application is approved, the facility will be run under equitable bilateral cooperation.
Thus, there is no way that the Chinese side could "manipulate" the institute as it has been falsely accused of.
Also, courses taught in the institutes mainly fall into three categories, namely language learning, teachers' training and traditional Chinese culture. There are no governmental policy lessons available.
No one can expect a government promotion agency to be effective if it does not advocate official policies.
Besides, the Confucius Institutes acquaint students with traditional values such as benevolence, righteousness and harmony. These are among the most exemplary traditional virtues and are also reflected in other cultures and religions.
At present, Confucius Institutes are teaching Chinese to more than 40 million people around the world, and the number is growing fast due to China's increasing openness, plus the world's increasing curiosity to know more about China.
The institutes also benefit learners in many practical ways such as better job opportunities and more convenience in doing business with Chinese enterprises.
Since globalization is the theme song of our times, the world is becoming smaller and smaller, and contacts between different cultures will undoubtedly boost understanding and trust.
The Confucius Institutes, by showcasing China's culture and reaching to the world its values, can help achieve that end.
The author is a writer with Xinhua News Agency.
(China Daily 08/14/2010 page5)