Learning Chinese in Mexico: Children Prepare for the Future

Despite its tough policies on Asian immigration, Mexico hurries to increase economic and cultural exchanges with China. Mexico, late among Latin American nations to sign a free-trade agreement with the rising giant, is now China's second largest Latin American commercial partner and the largest importer of Chinese products in the region. Responding to global economic trends and China's growing influence in Latin America, authorities in the central Mexican state of Aguascalientes launched a Chinese language program targeting low-income elementary school children. The ultimate goal is to improve the children's future job prospects and bolster the region's economy. The program begins as Mexico, with around 54,000 residents of Chinese descent, manages an increased flow of Chinese investments in mining, electronics and auto-part manufacturing. – YaleGlobal