KEVIN RUDD has unveiled his vision for Australia to become the most "Asia-literate country" in the West.
In a speech in Singapore today, the Prime Minister pledged to boost the investment in the study of Asian languages and culture in schools and universities.
"Australia's future will also depend on our ability to engage constructively and effectively with the countries of the Asia Pacific,” he said.
"That is why I am committed to making Australia the most Asia-literate country in the collective West.
"By investing in Asian languages and cultural education in Australia's schools, my vision is for the next generation of Australians - businessmen and women, economists, accountants, lawyers, architects, artists, film-makers and performers - to develop language skills which open their region to them.”
Mr Rudd also said the challenge of China would shape the region's future.
"The rise of China in particular represents the great unfolding drama of this new century,” he said.
"Will China democratise? How will China respond to climate change?
"And how will Chinese culture adjust to the array of global influences now washing across its shores directly and through the agency of the greater Chinese diaspora?”
Mr Rudd said how China responded to these forces "would radically shape the future course of our country".
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24169710-25837,00.html
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