The Confucius Institute has marked a significant milestone in its global expansion by launching 16 new projects in 2025, including 15 Institutes and one Classroom. This expansion introduces the first Confucius Institutes in Algeria and Guinea-Bissau, further solidifying its presence across 164 countries and regions. The announcement was made during a sub-forum at the World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing, where ten of the new institutions were officially recognized with plaques. This brings the total number of Confucius Institutes worldwide to 510, reinforcing their role as a cornerstone of international Chinese education and cultural exchange. Assia Kaced, vice-rector of Algiers 2 University, expressed enthusiasm about the new institute in Algeria, highlighting the growing demand for Chinese language skills among the youth and its connection to strengthened economic ties between Algeria and China. The institute aims to not only teach language but also foster mutual understanding and respect between Algerian and Chinese youth. In Kenya, the Confucius Institute at Egerton University has pioneered an innovative model integrating Chinese language learning with agricultural technical training, benefiting thousands of students and local farmers. China’s Vice-Minister of Education, Ren Youqun, emphasized the need for Confucius Institutes to enhance teaching quality, explore AI integration, and align with the career development needs of trainees. Duan Peng, president of Beijing Language and Culture University, underscored the importance of local integration and digital innovation in ensuring the continued success of Confucius Institutes.