Confucius Institute is devoted to enhancing the world’s understanding of Chinese language and culture, deepening the friendship between China and the rest of the world, and promoting global cultural diversity. Drawing from the experiences of other countries in disseminating their native languages, China established its first Confucius Institute abroad at the end of 2004.

Adhering to the principles of mutual respect, amicable negotiation, equality and mutual benefit, Confucius Institutes shall develop and facilitate Chinese language teaching overseas and promote educational and cultural exchange and cooperation between China and other parts of the world.

By the June 2009, 282 Confucius Institutes and 272 Confucius Classrooms had been established in 83 countries and regions around the world. 70 in 28 Asian countries, 21 in 15 African countries, 94 in 29 European countries, 87 in 11 American countries and 10 in 2 Pacific Island countries, and 241 are Confucius Classrooms in 25 countries (Burma, Mali and the Bahamas have independent Confucius Classrooms, not affiliated with an institute): 27 in 10 Asian countries, 2 in 2 African countries, 34 in 7 European countries, 176 in 5 American countries and 2 in 1Pacific Island country. 

• Africa—First Confucius Institute for Africa officially launched in Nairobi in Dec 2005
• America—The first Confucius Institute in the US was established at the University of Maryland
• Asia—The first overseas Confucius Institute opened in Seoul in Nov 2004.
• Europe—94 Confucius Institutes and 34 Confucius Classrooms have been established
• Oceania—The first Confucius Institute lauched at the University of Western Australia in May 2005