Hanban

Hanban, officially the Office of Chinese Language Council International, is a public institution affiliated with the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. It was established in 2004 to promote Chinese language and culture abroad and to support the development of Chinese-language education globally. The organization is best known for administering the Confucius Institutes network, a worldwide system of language and cultural centers established in partnership with universities, colleges, and other institutions. Through Hanban, the Chinese government provides curricula and teaching materials, teacher-training programs, scholarships, and promotional activities, aiming to standardize Chinese-language teaching and expand access to Chinese culture. The headquarters are in Beijing, and the entity operates under the guidance of the Ministry of Education.

In 2020, Chinese government reforms reorganized the management of its international language-education programs. Hanban's leading functions were reported to be transferred to the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), a move that reorganized the governing structure under the Ministry of Education and reduced Hanban's role as a standalone agency. The exact status of Hanban and its duties varied as reforms were implemented.

Hanban and the Confucius Institutes have been subject to scrutiny and controversy in several countries, with critics arguing that some programs lack transparency and may influence academic environments, while supporters contend they promote language learning and cultural exchange. Proponents note that CI networks have expanded access to Chinese language education and foster international understanding, albeit within China’s broader diplomatic and policy goals.