Confucius Institutes as a Tool for Promoting China’s Interests
Confucius Institutes as a Tool for Promoting China’s Interests

Author(s): Marcin Przychodniak
Subject(s): Governance, International relations/trade, Higher Education , State/Government and Education, Sociology of Education
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Confucius Institutes; People’s Republic of China; promoting China; positive image in the world; higher education; cooperation in education;
Summary/Abstract: Confucius Institutes (CI), established at universities outside China, are intended to promote a positive image of the country in the world. CI branches are becoming an integral part of the establishments at which they operate, so the universities are in part responsible for the content disseminated by CI. CI branches are not allowed to present topics controversial from China’s perspective. Most universities accept this, because Confucius Institutes allow them to expand their educational offer. However, some establishments, for example in the U.S. and Sweden, have acknowledged that CI activity is at variance with their mission and cancelled contracts with their Chinese partner. Following these examples, Polish institutes of higher education should evaluate their own cooperation with Confucius Institutes.

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