U.S. Focus on Teaching Mandarin Chinese

Today, temperature in Washignton DC again reachs 100 degree F (32 degree C), Two events are going on related to China and Japan,

1.U.S. Department of Education in Washington DC holds a two-day workshop for American teachers on how to teach Mandarin Chinese, along with critical foreign language such as Arabic. Secretary Margaret Spellings deliver remarks on "critical foreign language instruction." It is in a sharp contrast to Japanese language education in American schools, which is undergoing a lack of funding and shortage of teachers. Chinese language is gaining grounds.

2. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) holds a public forum titled, "China's Role in the World: Is China a Responsible Stakeholder?" And a Panel will discuss China’s Activities and Diplomacy in Asia. It will be very interesting to find out how China-Japan's winterlike relationship will be reviewed. (you can click here to find out panalists' bios and transcirpts)