BEIJING — China’s Ministry of Education said the country’s universities offer more than 800 degree programs in engineering that are widely recognized and considered among the best in the world.

The ministry said its center for tertiary education assessment and the Chinese Engineering Education Accreditation Association had accredited 846 degree programs offered by 198 Chinese universities and colleges as of the end of 2017.

As China is a signatory of the Washington Accord, their accreditation is recognized in 18 other countries and regions that are also signatories, the ministry said. The multi-lateral agreement promotes good practice in engineering education and helps mobility of professional engineers across borders.

More than 1.2 million people graduate from Chinese universities every year with a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

China has taken steps to strengthen engineering education over the past few years. The latest initiative — New Engineering — was launched in 2017.