English literacy in the Chinese mainland is expanding as people view mastery of the language as an invaluable bargaining tool for jobs. But the country still ranks low globally, a recent report shows.

The mainland climbed two notches from 36th place last year to 34th on an annual list showing the English proficiency of adults in 60 countries and territories. The report was released on Wednesday by EF Education First, a global language training company.

"Almost everyone in China seems to have understood that in the environment of a global economy, mastering English is inextricably linked to their personal career advancement," said Christopher McCormick, head of the company's language research and training arm.