Confucius Says: It’s Time to Learn Mandarin

As China continues its ascent as a global power, the demand for Chinese-language speakers has, indeed, increased. In response to – and perhaps to reinforce –these needs, China has launched an international initiative to boost language proficiency. Dubbed the Confucius Institutes, over 100 Chinese language learning centers are planned to open in cities worldwide. As with many Chinese global initiatives, the centers are also receiving a good deal of skepticism: Despite China's claims to the contrary, many critics view the Confucious Institutes as another imperialistic endeavor. – YaleGlobal