Useless fuss over Confucius Institutes

A decade ago China began opening centers abroad called Confucius Institutes to share its culture and language with the rest of the world. Today, there are more than 300 Confucius Institutes in more than 90 countries, and China aims to establish 1,000 Confucius Institute by 2020.

The Chinese government's funding for Confucius Institutes is $100,000-200,000 a year on many campuses, and sometimes more, and the institutes are growing rapidly. In 2013 it totaled $278 million, more than six times as much compared to 2006.

A chorus of concern has risen recently on whether universities have entered into arrangements with China that might compromise their academic integrity and independence. Some academics are calling for Confucius Institutes to hold lectures and forums on sensitive Chinese topics. The Confucius Institutes response: this is not their focus or role.

But in the United States and across the rest of the world, Confucius Institutes are building bridges rather than Great Walls to share knowledge about the history, culture and language of a rising world power which has been in the shadows. They are mysterious no longer — helping to cement the "people-people" relationship between two great nations in the hope of shaping a 21st century.

The Confucius Institutes have provided a focal point for people to learn about Chinese language and culture. Hundreds of these institutes are today in nearly every corner of the globe, becoming a springboard for cultural exchange as well as a bridge reinforcing friendship and cooperation between China and the citizens of the world.

Clearly the Chinese are not content to let their country remain the factory of the world. On multiple planes, they are striving and succeeding in reclaiming their status as a cultured, educated, innovative nation. Why would they not want to share this with the world?

Let's not forget that China held the title of the world's largest economy for 18 of the last 20 centuries. It stands to re-capture that title within a decade. In fact, some would argue China has already passed this milestone. The Diplomat writes: "China has adopted various measures to enhance China's soft power, such as establishing global news services and Confucius Institutes across the world."

As China spreads its global wings, it looks to not only making money, but also to increasing its influence. Today, this once inward looking nation is reaching out across continents. While its economy and exchanges with the world have seen rapid growth over the last three and a half decades, there has also been a sharp increase in the world's demand to learn more about its people, history and language.

The fear associated with China's rise — many see a Chinese "boogieman" in every corner — questions whether there is reason to fear it. Are Confucius Institutes merely "Trojan Horses" that we willingly allow into our schools and universities, unleashing a propaganda virus to destroy us all? Perhaps former US president Franklin D. Roosevelt was right when he reminded us during World War II: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

As China continues to awaken from its slumber, it will not be content to remain a silent movie on the world stage. Chinese culture will continue to wash up on global shores as the 21st century unfolds.

Let's understand that not all Chinese wisdom comes from inside a fortune cookie. As Confucius reminds us: "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance."

The author, Tom Watkins, is advisor to University of Michigan Confucius Institute. The article originally appeared in China&US Focus.