SHANGHAI, July 23 (Xinhua) -- A declaration from English teachers has called for forming a consistent English language teaching system in China that stretches from elementary school to college, further promoting graded English reading programs, and utilizing online resources.

The declaration on improving English language education in China was issued Sunday at the closing ceremony of the 2018 TESOL International Association China Assembly, held in Shanghai.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages International Association, commonly known as TESOL International Association, is an organization based in the United States aiming to advance the quality of English language teaching.

According to the declaration, English speakers with sufficient professional knowledge and global outlooks are in high demand in the process of improving China's ability to participate in global affairs, further promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, and building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The declaration made an eight-point commitment to improve English language education in China, emphasizing coordinated progress in language skills, cultural understanding, and ethical standards of English learners.

While learning English, students should be guided to think in cross-cultural terms and establish the consciousness of the community with a shared future for humanity, so as to be the torchbearers in introducing Chinese culture and telling Chinese stories to the rest of the world, the declaration said.

The declaration also stressed the need to train professional English teachers and form a better environment for them to develop, as well as increase support for English language education in underdeveloped areas.

Themed "English Education in China: Striding into a New Era," the three-day event attracted over 1,800 practitioners and specialists in the field of English language education.

The next TESOL China Assembly is scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province next year in July.