The number of foreign students studying in China has risen more
than 20 percent annually over the past five years, a Chinese
educational official said in Beijing Wednesday.
"The Chinese government values educational cooperation with
foreign countries and welcomes more foreign students to come to
China," said Liu Baoli, vice director of the international
cooperation department of the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Addressing a Spring Festival reception held for foreign
graduates, he said there were 110,000 foreign students studying in
China in 2004. The number in 2005, which has not come out yet,
should be much higher.
"China wishes to know more about the world and let the world
know more about China," said Liu.
He said the rapid development of China's higher education and
high-quality universities is attracting more and more foreign
students. China has become a popular destination for foreign
students.
More than 500 Chinese universities have met conditions of
admitting foreign students, he said.
Foreign graduates, Liu said, have contributed positively to
friendly exchanges between China and other countries in the world
in diplomatic, economic and cultural fields.
He said the ministry will adopt new measures to expand
enrollment of foreign students.
"In 2006, about 10,000 foreign students will come to study in
China on scholarships provided by the Chinese government," said
Liu. "The standard of scholarships will also be lifted."
Since the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, it has
received students from more than 170 countries.
(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2006)
