**Title: International Chinese Education: Deepening Chinese Culture in Global Soil**
**— An Interview with Sun Yixue, Dean of the School of International Cultural Exchange at Tongji University**
**By Xu Jing, China News Service, Shanghai, September 17**

As international Chinese education continues to gain traction, the popularity of learning Chinese has emerged as a significant trend in language education across the globe. Serving as a crucial avenue for sharing compelling Chinese narratives with the world, international Chinese education is evolving and broadening its scope. What sets this field apart? Can it truly weave Chinese culture into the larger tapestry of global culture? To delve into these questions, I recently sat down with Sun Yixue, the Dean of the School of International Cultural Exchange at Tongji University.

**China News Service:** How would you define international Chinese education, and what unique forms does it take?
**Sun Yixue:** In 2022, the Chinese State Council Degree Committee and the Ministry of Education officially recognized “International Chinese Education” as a formal discipline in their “Directory of Graduate Education Disciplines and Specialties (2022)”. This development marks a significant leap forward in establishing a standardized talent development system for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, paving the way for skilled professionals who can effectively promote the internationalization of Chinese language and culture. This initiative signifies a transformative phase in international Chinese education, elevating its international profile in response to the increasing global demand for Chinese language education.

The recognition of international Chinese education as a formal discipline reinforces the momentum behind integrating Chinese language and culture into the global landscape. This field not only emphasizes the development of teaching skills but also cultivates academic expertise, creating a holistic educational experience. It aligns seamlessly with China’s aspirations to showcase its culture and narratives on a worldwide stage, supporting modernization efforts and reinforcing national identity.

As this dynamic field grows, it faces the challenge of respecting and integrating the various needs and contexts of institutions across the globe.

**China News Service:** How is international Chinese education evolving today?
**Sun Yixue:** Establishing this discipline is crucial for training professionals who can effectively share China’s stories with the world, enhancing China’s international image and contributing to the creation of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Professionals in this arena need a solid grounding in the Chinese language and culture, a nuanced understanding of China’s history, and a broad global perspective. Essential skills include excellent organizational abilities, collaboration, and a commitment to fostering cultural understanding through language education.

Each international Chinese educator acts as a bridge between cultures, focusing on mutual understanding and friendship while serving as a lens through which the world views China. Although they may operate independently, collectively they form a vital network for promoting cultural exchange. Thus, training in international Chinese education requires not only professionalism but also a comprehensive international outlook, prioritizing overall quality over mere specialization.

At present, the full potential of international Chinese education remains untapped. We must move beyond outdated methods and adopt innovative strategies to secure a prominent position in global language and cultural exchange.

The diverse political, economic, and cultural contexts in different countries necessitate varied approaches to introducing the Chinese language. As such, there is an urgent need for data-driven and technology-enhanced strategies in the teaching process.

Emerging technologies such as cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality hold significant promise for enhancing the quality of international Chinese education. These innovations can help digitize and network educational frameworks, allowing for customized approaches in regions with suitable conditions, such as integrating AI-driven teaching methods.

**China News Service:** What role does digitalization play in international Chinese education? How can we leverage digital innovation in this space?
**Sun Yixue:** In our information-driven era, digitalization is fundamentally transforming international Chinese education. We must acknowledge that the demographics of Chinese learners are shifting, with Generation Z emerging as the primary audience. Their motivations for learning Chinese are increasingly self-directed and immediate, reliant on technologies like VR, AR, and AI, which are now essential elements in modern education.

To foster high-quality development, international Chinese education must embrace a swift digital transformation, utilizing big data to bolster capabilities in data management and analysis. This will allow for more effective educational policies and strategies, enabling dynamic adjustments based on real-world evidence.

At present, there is a noticeable gap between the global demand for Chinese language education and its availability, with demand often outstripping supply. Our aim in international Chinese education should be to ensure that every learner’s needs are met with appropriate resources. By harnessing advancements in information technology, we can create tailored educational systems that blend language learning with technological innovation, ultimately nurturing a hybrid talent pool characterized by “Chinese + technology.”

**China News Service:** How can international Chinese education facilitate mutual learning between Eastern and Western cultures?
**Sun Yixue:** The essence of international Chinese education lies in enhancing our understanding of Chinese civilization while fostering dialogue among diverse cultures. It plays a vital role in building a shared future by promoting global values of peace and cooperation.

Regardless of how far international Chinese education advances, it must do so within a framework that encourages mutual learning between Eastern and Western cultures, advocating for a shared destiny for humanity through the lens of Chinese language and culture. This approach aids in establishing a discourse system for China’s international presence and influences global governance.

As we work toward creating a new cultural ecosystem, international Chinese education will receive the support it deserves, ensuring that its global impact resonates with China’s international influence, resulting in richer cultural exchanges.

**China News Service:** Why is international Chinese education crucial for embedding Chinese culture into global culture?
**Sun Yixue:** International Chinese education transcends mere language; it is a vital channel for narrating China’s story to the global community. The globalization of the Chinese language is a reflection of the broader impact of Chinese values. Our success in this endeavor hinges on how effectively we can disseminate Chinese culture internationally.

The core of Chinese culture, marked by its inclusiveness and adaptability, remains vibrant, allowing it to flourish in an ever-evolving world. Every initiative we undertake to promote international Chinese education leaves an enduring mark of Chinese culture in different nations, gradually embedding it into local contexts.

In time, these cultural imprints become inseparable from the countries that embrace them, leading to a scenario where the Chinese language, as a vessel for Chinese culture, takes root and thrives. The influence of Chinese culture will eventually cultivate a sense of belonging among those who adopt it, creating a natural and organic presence within diverse cultural landscapes.