Confucius Institute at the University of Melbourne The Government of the People's Republic of China has announced funding for the establishment of 100 Confucius Institutes worldwide as part of China's growing global interaction and engagement, and The University of Melbourne and Asialink are proud to have secured the Confucius Institute at The University of Melbourne. Confucius Institutes are already in place in the USA, Korea and Sweden, and Letters of Intent have recently been signed with India, Pakistan and New Zealand, with further negotiations currently underway in Europe. The Confucius Institute network is being created to spearhead the teaching of the Chinese language and culture worldwide, as well as acting as a vehicle through which to strengthen economic and business ties. The Institutes are considered a very high priority of the Government of the People's Republic of China. On July 6th, China's Ambassador, Madame Fu Ying joined with Melbourne University's Vice-Chancellor Glyn Davis, in front of an audience of over 150 leading business and academic representatives, for the official signing of a Letter of Intent to establish the leading national centre, to be known as the Confucius Institute at The University of Melbourne. The Confucius Institute at The University of Melbourne will be operational during 2006, and will offer a range of services, including language and cultural exchanges and training, as well as a services to enhance the business and trade relations between Victoria and China.