China is to become the "most attractive destination" in the Asia-Pacific region for overseas students, the Ministry of Education announced in Beijing on Monday.

Zhang Xiuqin, secretary-general with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) under the ministry, said China has drawn an increasing number of overseas students because of its economic growth, social stability, and greater international influence.

The teaching quality of higher-learning institutions was recognized by growing individuals and counterparts abroad, Zhang said.

Statistics from the CSC show the number of foreigners studying in China hit 140,000 in 2005, including 40,000 from the Republic of Korea, 14,000 from Japan, and 8,000 from the United States. The total had risen by 32 percent from the figure of 1998.

Education for foreigners in China was becoming more people-oriented with standardized and improved conditions, including accommodation and healthcare, said Zhang.

"The CSC will show the world China's education services for foreigners and the reform of its colleges by holding international conferences, exhibitions abroad and use of Internet," Zhang said.

Source: Xinhua