国内英语新闻:Senior CPC official unveils new Confucius Institute in ROK

JEJU, ROK, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Li Changchun, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), unveiled a new Confucius Institute here Saturday soon after his arrival.

    Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, cut the ribbon for the Republic of Korea's 13th Confucius Institute, the Chinese-teaching institution overseas.

    The institute was set up in Cheju Halla College, the largest private institute of high learning in Jeju Special-Governing Province of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

    When addressing the opening ceremony, Li said that China and ROK were inter-linked geographically and culturally. "The cultural exchanges boast profound historic foundation and favorable realistic environment," he said.

Li Changchun (L2), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, unveils the Confucius Institute set up in Cheju Halla College, in Jeju, the Republic of Korea (ROK), April 4, 2009

During the past centuries, the peoples of China and ROK learn from each other, thus contributing to the development of the colorful culture in East Asia, Li said.

    "With concerted efforts made by both, I believe that the cultural exchanges between our two countries will see even more vigorous growth, making active contribution to the development of China-ROK strategic and cooperative relations," he said.

    Jeju is known for its natural scenery and become a major tourist destination for Chinese travelers. "I think the new Confucius Institute can surely add a new human landmark to the beautiful natural vista in Jeju," he said.

    Li also donated a batch of Chinese language teaching textbooks, books on Chinese history and culture and some audio-video materials to the institute.

    The world's first Confucius Institute was launched in Seoul, capital of the ROK, in December 2004. By March 2009, some 256 Confucius Institutes and 58 Confucius Classrooms were set up in 81countries and regions worldwide.

    Li arrived in Jeju earlier Saturday. ROK is the last leg of Li's four-nation tour which has already taken him to Australia, Myanmar and Japan.