China-U.S. open joint study project

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- A new college-level course for U.S. high schoolers on China's language and culture has been announced by China and the College Board.

"On behalf of the Trustees and members of the College Board, I would like to thank the People's Republic of China for the generous financial support that will help to create this new college-level course for American high school students," said Board President Gaston Caperton.

"It is our hope that this partnership will become an educational bridge to China, a country whose political, cultural, and economic impact on the Asia-Pacific region--and the world--is paramount."

"People-to-people contact between China and the United States is important for increasing mutual understanding, fostering friendship, and expanding bilateral relations," Chinese Ambassador Yang Jiechi said. "The bridge of understanding and friendship cannot be built without language."