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MISSOULA - High school students in Montana can now learn to speak, read and write Chinese in a free online course being offered by the Confucius Institute at the University of Montana and the Montana Digital Academy.

The language class free of charge to all high school students across the state and includes private or home schools.

Students will be taught by four teachers from China who are working at UM through a partnership with Southwest University of Politics and Law in Chongqing, China. The country is a rising power, with the world's second largest economy after the U.S.

"We know the economic progress it's made. It's becoming a major political actor in the world, it's getting more attention in the media, and after all, about 1 in every 5 human beings on this planet is Chinese, " said Dr. Otto Koester of the Confucius Institute.

Students can enroll by consulting their school guidance counselor or visiting the Montana Digital Academy. The registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 20.