Suntzu a must for Confucius Institute classrooms: scholars  

孙子兵法全球行：欧洲学者称孔子学院不能缺“孙子”

葡萄牙米尼奥大学孔子学院葡方院长孙琳认为，孔子学院与歌德学院一样，名称并不能代表实质，歌德学院不是为传播歌德开的 ，孔子学院也不仅仅传播孔子，传播中华文化不能缺“孙子” 。

(ECNS) -- The ideas of Suntzu, author of the ancient Chinese military treatise "The Art of War," should be an important part of Chinese culture courses offered by the Confucius Institute, said Sun Ling, president of the Confucius Institute at the University of Minho in Portugal, on Wednesday.

Scholars say the works of both Suntzu and Confucius contain eternal wisdom, and the great popularity of "The Art of War" indicates that people are eager to absorb the lessons contained in ancient Oriental works. What is more, offering lessons on the legacy of Suntzu at various Confucius Institutes fits nicely with the idea of "training students to be well versed in both polite betters and martial arts" proposed by Confucius.

Apart from spreading the ideas of Confucius, more works by other ancient philosophers in the Warring States Periods who embody traditional Chinese culture should also be taught at the institute. Suntzu's works deserve a place in institute classrooms, said Dr. Moises Silva Fernandes, the Portuguese president of the Confucius Institute at the University of Minho.

Blaise Thierrée, foreign director of the Confucius Institute in Brittany, says that Suntzu can be the spokesman for spreading China's image overseas in a low-key way.

Apart from offering Chinese language courses, the Confucius Institute should consist of sinologists and personnel who are well-versed in Chinese culture, said Chang Shiru, the Chinese president of the Confucius Institute in Barcelona.　

As the bridge for spreading Chinese culture, the Confucius Institute represents some of the finest traditional Chinese culture, said Dr. Zhao Lanliang, a history professor at Fudan University and the Chinese president of the Confucius Institute in Frankfurt.