The Race for China Expertise

Abstract

[EN] “China expertise” has become the keyword in European foreign politics. A look at the latest government publications shows that a clear definition is yet to be expected. It can be summarized from reports about educational programs that there are differing trends among European countries as regards their Chinese language and other China-related skills as well as their infrastructures to gain these. A linguistic assessment shows that for learning this distant language, an early onset of acquisition is recommended. Given the almost pan-European desire for China expertise a clear definition is demanded so efficient international cooperation to build up this expertise over-regionally is possible.