China has received more than 36,000 young people from the United States through exchange programs in the past two years, inspired by President Xi Jinping's "50,000 in Five Years" initiative, a senior education official said recently.

At a welcoming dinner hosted by friendly organizations in the US in November 2023, Xi proposed that China was ready to invite 50,000 US young people to China on exchange and study programs over the next five years to boost interactions between the two peoples, especially young people.

Xiong Sihao, vice-minister of education, said at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office that more than 36,000 youths from the US were inspired by Xi's call and traveled to China for exchanges over the past two years.

For example, a US youth pickleball cultural exchange delegation from Maryland forged friendships with Chinese peers during a trip to China in April, Xiong said.

Globally, China has established educational cooperation with 183 countries and regions, signed mutual recognition agreements on academic degrees with 61 and launched joint education programs with 42, he said. Students from more than 190 countries and regions pursue studies in China, while 86 nations have incorporated Chinese language into their national education systems, he added.

Multilevel exchanges enable young people from China and abroad to connect, draw mutual inspiration and grow together, steadily converging their youthful energy into a driving force for building a community with a shared future for humanity, he said.

Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng said China has built the world's largest high-quality education system, providing guarantees for equal access to education for all children.

The enrollment rate in higher education has more than doubled, from 30 percent in 2012 to 60.8 percent, reaching internationally recognized levels, he said.

Meanwhile, China's higher education system has produced more than 55 million graduates — equaling the population of many developed countries — during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, Huai said.

"While we do not judge our institutions solely by these rankings, it is evident that in internationally comparable indicators, China's universities and disciplines have become a significant force globally," he said.

This progress lays a foundation for accelerating the development of world-class universities and disciplines with Chinese characteristics. The education policies also support national strategies, advancing self-reliance in science and technology, and cultivating innovative talent, he added.

China's basic education has reached the average level of high-income countries, Huai said.

zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn