China’s influence on the international stage has grown significantly over recent decades. Alongside the rapid development of its economy, the country has come to play a key role within the global configuration of politics and diplomacy. It has therefore become vital that students of Chinese acquire advanced language skills. This book familiarises students with the use of the formal register, allowing them to extend their proficiency to the advanced level in the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In this way, students may also increase their understanding of China’s cultural heritage, politics, and international relations.

The texts chosen are written in a variety of styles and employ various forms of Chinese discourse in order that students may achieve greater breadth and depth in their knowledge of grammar and syntax. Moreover, students will find that there is ample opportunity to develop the tools with which to express opinions appropriately, both orally and in writing. The selection of materials in the book has been based on the CEFR (Common European Framework for Reference) B2 and above, the Advanced level of ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), and Grades 5 (HSK 5) and above of the newly-published version of the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education. Full audio is available online.