Students from an elementary school in Jiangsu province present drawings to rectors. Zheng Xin / China Daily

The government has set out plans to double its number of Chinese learners by 2020.

Opportunities should be created to enable more UK young people to develop an international outlook and utilize languages in combination with learning professional, business and technical skills, says the British Council.

Officials at the cultural and education section of the consulate say they applaud the UK government's aspiration to double the number of Chinese learners by 2020 and vow to continue to advocate for a wider recognition of the benefits of understanding Mandarin.

The section said it will increase the number of Chinese language assistants in UK schools, support more UK school head teachers and language heads to visit and develop partnerships in China to gain firsthand understanding of the country, and encourage more UK youths to come study and work in China.

According to the previously mentioned report, Mandarin is the fourth most significant language for British society, after Spanish, Arabic and French. The report suggests opening more channels for British youths to gain access to the language for broader cultural comprehension.

"We are committed to supporting the UK in achieving this ambition," says Wang from the cultural and education section.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn

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