About 130,000 people from across the world took the Chinese language test in 2007, according to the Chinese National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language.

The HSK -- Chinese level test - - had established 66 exam sites in 35 countries and regions, said Xu Lin, director of the office, at a meeting on Sunday.

"We must improve our management and innovate on the Chinese language test to provide more convenient and better service to foreign learners," she said.

More foreigners are showing interest in the Chinese language, numbering more than 40 million globally, along with China's steady economic development and rising international status, according to Xu.

Since 2004, China has set up 226 Confucius Institutes in 66 countries and regions across the world to promote the study of Chinese language and culture.

(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2008)