Chinesewings.com  2005/07/14

　　On Tuesday, the Asia Society released its results from one of its administered surveys. Data indicates that despite China’s growing influence on America’s economy and politics, schools in the U.S. still lack the resources and personnel to satisfy Mandarin tutelage and research on Chinese culture.

　　The Asia Society interviewed ten specialists, all in different fields of study, about the necessities to enable 5% of middle and high students to learn Mandarin by 2015. The objective of the inquiry was to raise awareness on the importance of opening more Mandarin courses and training more teachers.
　　“We want the American public to recognize that this global phenomenon will not disappear, and they cannot just stand off to one side and ignore it. Our educational and policy-making organizations must take urgent action as our ties with Mandarin get closer and closer,”said Michael Levine, Executive Director of Education at Asia Society.
　　With an annual economic growth rate of 9%, China has become an increasingly important trade partner to the United States. It is slated to become the largest economic entity, second only to the U.S., in twenty or thirty years.
　　The Asia Society plans to seek funds from philanthropic organizations, American corporations, higher education departments, and the government to implement new language education programs.
　　The Asia Society states that the U.S.-China Cultural Engagement Act has been raised in Senate, calling for investments of USD$1.3 billion to train educators and promote interaction in innovative technology and culture.