Among some Western political critics and academics, Confucius Institutes do not enjoy a favorable reputation.

I came across a piece of news when I read The New York Times online. It said a number of US professors had called on colleges to reevaluate China's Confucius Institutes established within the campuses, because these institutes were thought to ignore academic freedom and be an extension of the practices of the Chinese government.

Early this month, I joined a Chinese media tour to two Central Asian states, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where there are local Confucius Institutes.

After talking to local students and Chinese teachers assigned, I found that students went there due to their interest in China and the Chinese culture, no matter if they are five years old or over 50.

Many young college students study Chinese because they also believe that it makes them easier to find a job in China, where the market is becoming mature and more opportunities are offered. Responding to my questions about the outside concerns about the institutes, the Chinese staff said they were extremely cautious of talking about China's politics on class to avoid being accused of "extending the political influence of the country."

I myself was amazed by the number of people abroad who have an interest in learning Chinese. It's true that this language is a tool with which they can study and work in China. Being the world's factory and performing outstandingly during the global financial crisis, China has been able to attract foreign talent. This would be unimaginable a few decades back. 

As the international arena changes and the national strength of countries shifts, China is becoming increasingly confident and attractive, and some countries become anxious about this trend. No wonder there are concerns about China's Confucius Institutes, which are seen as cultural outposts of Beijing to spread China's soft power. China does not have to deny the background of the changing international politics that has contributed to the growing number of the Confucius Institutes abroad. 

The Chinese government can better promote the institutes, such as by sending high-quality teachers who could win respect and trust from local students. When Chinese-speaking foreigners bring hope and profits back to their own countries, these countries may have felt the meaning of mutual benefits and stop speculating about the Confucius Institutes' intentions.

Zhang Yu, a journalist based in Beijing