Chinese Language Heats Up Worldwide

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 ◆ Chinese Language Heats Up Worldwide

Enthusiasm for learning Chinese is growing all over the world.

Experts estimate that the number of people learning Chinese overseas has increased to more than 25 million.

Outside of China, 2,300 institutions of higher learning have opened Chinese language courses.

The trend followed China's entry into the World Trade Organization and its successful bid for the 2008 Olympics Games.

In addition, China has recently signed an agreement with the U.S. to establish Chinese language classes in American high schools.