Suntzu a must for Confucius Institute classrooms: scholars  

孫子兵法全球行：歐洲學者稱孔子學院不能缺“孫子”

葡萄牙米尼奧大學孔子學院葡方院長孫琳認為，孔子學院與歌德學院一樣，名稱并不能代表實質，歌德學院不是為傳播歌德開的 ，孔子學院也不僅僅傳播孔子，傳播中華文化不能缺“孫子” 。

(ECNS) -- The ideas of Suntzu, author of the ancient Chinese military treatise "The Art of War," should be an important part of Chinese culture courses offered by the Confucius Institute, said Sun Ling, president of the Confucius Institute at the University of Minho in Portugal, on Wednesday.

Scholars say the works of both Suntzu and Confucius contain eternal wisdom, and the great popularity of "The Art of War" indicates that people are eager to absorb the lessons contained in ancient Oriental works. What is more, offering lessons on the legacy of Suntzu at various Confucius Institutes fits nicely with the idea of "training students to be well versed in both polite betters and martial arts" proposed by Confucius.

Apart from spreading the ideas of Confucius, more works by other ancient philosophers in the Warring States Periods who embody traditional Chinese culture should also be taught at the institute. Suntzu's works deserve a place in institute classrooms, said Dr. Moises Silva Fernandes, the Portuguese president of the Confucius Institute at the University of Minho.

Blaise Thierrée, foreign director of the Confucius Institute in Brittany, says that Suntzu can be the spokesman for spreading China's image overseas in a low-key way.

Apart from offering Chinese language courses, the Confucius Institute should consist of sinologists and personnel who are well-versed in Chinese culture, said Chang Shiru, the Chinese president of the Confucius Institute in Barcelona.　

As the bridge for spreading Chinese culture, the Confucius Institute represents some of the finest traditional Chinese culture, said Dr. Zhao Lanliang, a history professor at Fudan University and the Chinese president of the Confucius Institute in Frankfurt.