China calls for Confucius institutes to make improved contribution

XI'AN, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong has called for Confucius institutes to tailor their teaching to local conditions and contribute to "building a community with a shared future for mankind."

Liu made the remarks at a conference on Confucius institutes Tuesday in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Nearly 2,500 delegates, including university presidents and representatives of Confucius institutes from more than 140 countries and regions, attended the annual event.

Liu said that Confucius institutes, under both Chinese and foreign efforts, have boosted friendship and cultural exchanges between China and other countries in the past 13 years, especially the last five years.

There are currently 525 Confucius institutes and 1,113 related courses in 146 countries and regions around the world. A total of 9.16 million students have attended Confucius institutes so far. Enditem