The China International Publishing Group is the largest and the most authoritative foreign language publishing and distribution establishment, its predecessor being the International Press Bureau of the Central People's Government Press and Publication Administration.// Adhering to the publishing philosophy of “assisting China's march to the world and facilitating world's understanding of China”, the Group commits itself entirely to promoting foreign language education and research in China and advancing cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries.// In order to build up a strong team of publishing staff, as well as to meet the growing need of more technically demanding business, the Group makes it a rule that young staff be selected and sent to noted universities and research institutions, both domestic and overseas, for further studies.// As is clearly spelled out in our new development strategy, we will go beyond our national boundaries and wedge ourselves into the world circulation market, aiming at the international readership. Our initial efforts have been very rewarding.//

As China is rising as a political and economic world power, thanks to its three-decade reform and opening up, more and more people in overseas countries start to learn Chinese and turn to a Confucius Institute in their own countries as their first choice learning Chinese language and Chinese culture.// During the learning process, the learners concurrently develop their interest in this ancient land, whose civilization is so vastly different from theirs. And the learners have opportunities to learn about Chinese philosophy, art, architecture, medicine and catering culture and experience first-hand the splendors of this venerable civilization.// As the second culture, Chinese culture has enriched the life and world outlook of the learners. This trend, so to speak, is gathering momentum and is there to stay. Apart from their love for Chinese cuisine, more and more American learners of Chinese language are turning to Chinese acupuncture, herbal medicines, martial arts.// They are also interested in kongfu films, fashions and crafts. Seemingly outlandish words such as dim sum, ginseng, gingko, oolong cha have crept into their everyday language. The latest Chinese cultural icons to make its impact there are Taoism, and ancient school of thought, and fengshui, an ancient art of placement.//