MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK 2005 BY AMBASSADOR ZHOU WENZHONG
OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

I am pleased to show my strong support for International Education Week 2005, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of State. This will be a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the culture, language and customs in other countries.

International education is playing a critical role in the process of globalization. It not only prepares individuals to be better positioned in their career development, but also promotes long-term stable partnership and friendship between countries.

China attaches great importance to international education. Our students show great enthusiasm for learning the languages and cultures of other countries. Currently, there are over 80,000 Chinese students learning in the U.S. and over 200 million students learning English at schools and universities in China.

Foreign language study is central to the understanding between countries. The Ministry of Education of China is planning to offer a high quality Chinese and English learning program through the Internet. I am delighted that the College Board, in partnership with China, is going to offer AP Chinese in 2006. It is also a pleasure to see the opening of the first Confucius Institute at the University of Maryland in 2004. All of these are excellent opportunities for U.S. students to study Chinese.

Greater understanding between nations leads to greater harmony in the world. The International Education Week provides a useful vehicle for promoting international education and enhancing mutual understanding. I wish International Education Week 2005 a complete success!

ZHOU Wenzhong