At present, the "Chinese language craze" is raging non-stop all over the world. In order to promote the development of Chinese language teaching abroad and enhance the exchange and cooperation regarding language and culture between China and other countries, the China National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language will hold the first "World Chinese Conference" in Beijing towards the end of July.

Currently, the number of overseas Chinese learners has reached 30 million. More than 2,300 universities in over 100 countries have started Chinese language courses.

Under the theme of "Chinese and Chinese language teaching in the global context", politicians and experts from all over the world will discuss various issues, including policies and measures to promote Chinese language teaching, research on teaching Chinese as a foreign language and the history, current situation and prospects of research on overseas Chinese studies.

During the conference, the "Chinese Bridge" week will also be organized. The activities held over the week include exhibitions of the history and achievements of teaching Chinese as a foreign language in the world, Chinese classes and summer camps for international college and high-school students and meeting to pledge volunteers teaching Chinese, cultural performances by foreign students, a glimpse of Chinese civilization, the Fourth "Chinese Bridge" and a Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students.

(Chinanews.com February 17, 2005)