China to cultivate more non-common language speakers

BEIJING - China will come up with a three-year work plan on overseas studies in 2015, aiming to cultivate more non-common language speakers, said Minister of Education Yuan Guiren on Friday.

The country will focus on training talents who work in cutting-edge fields, international organizations and regional studies as well as excellent young people who come to China.

Yuan said the ministry will select students that show the most potential and fund them to study overseas.

The ministry will also improve services for students who study abroad at their own expense, Yuan said.

According to the ministry, China has established diplomatic relations with 172 countries involving 88 non-common languages, while Chinese universities only offer courses for about 60.

Moreover, there are not many Chinese employees in international organizations -- such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the World Bank -- although China plays an important role in these institutions.

In a move to carry out college entrance examination reform, the ministry has urged all local educational bureaus to report their reform plans to the ministry before June 30 this year.