Along with China's all-round development, Chinese language is marching towards the world in big strides. Now 34 countries have set test sites for the "Chinese Proficiency Test" ("Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi" (HSK) in Chinese) and examinees increase by 40 percent annually. Many mainstream schools take Chinese as a compulsory second language -- Chinese language is getting more and more popular in foreign countries.

Language is a medium of cultural communication and more a bond of friendship. While helping foreign friends realize their long aspiration to get to know the Chinese culture, Chinese language is acting as a bridge of understanding and friendship. In Chinese speech contests held in various countries, "I love Chinese language, I love China" is the sentence most heard.

"Chinese language craze" is exhilarating. However, one phenomenon is worth our attention: besides actual needs in trade and economic cooperation, foreign friends are motivated to learn Chinese more by their longing for the Chinese traditional culture. The author met quite a few Chinese-learning students in foreign countries. Whenever they talk about China, they mention Confucius and they are fascinated with Taijiquan (shadow boxing), Chinese calligraphy and tea art. That is to say, the enthusiasm of a considerable number of foreign Chinese learners, it seems, lies more in their appreciation and curiosity of the Chinese traditional culture; what they pay attention to is the "past" of China.

How to effectively boost the characteristic charm of the modern Chinese culture? How to let people, who are paying attention to China "past", be as well attracted to the country's "today"? This is a big question concerning the "soft power" of a nation. While applauding the "Chinese language fever" across the world, we should think and do more in this regard.

The article by Lu Yansong on the seventh page of People's Daily, June 17, is translated by People's Daily Online.