Companies put emphasis on English

More than 80 percent of large Chinese companies with overseas branches offer English lessons to their employees, according to a new survey.

"Companies value proficiency in English in today's global market," said Yu Feng of international assessment company Educational Testing Service. "Over the past dozen years, foreign-invested companies entering China have required employees with proficiency in English.

"More recently, Chinese enterprises aiming to enter the global market also need employees with adequate English skills."