Saudi Arabia said it will soon begin teaching Chinese language and literature in educational institutions as part of the curriculum, under an agreement signed by both governments.
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The initiative also includes teaching Saudi teachers in Mandarin and introducing them to Chinese culture. This is because Saudi Arabia is China’s largest trading partner in Western Asia.
The idea of introducing the Chinese language into the education curriculum in Saudi Arabia was introduced in 2019 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A report in Arab News quoting an education professor said learning Chinese will also boost trade relations between the two countries.
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Saudi education experts argue that language will soon become a high-impact language in the future, the report said.
An assistant professor at King Abdulaziz University told Arab News: “Everyone is well aware of the international trend to learn the Chinese language, even in developed countries where politicians are proud of their sons and daughters who speak Chinese.”
Saudi has recently witnessed a huge influx of Chinese investment companies, which will open doors for business cooperation.
