New Delhi: Calling language an important tool for cultural understanding and international engagement, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong said Indian youth should explore learning Chinese and play a constructive role in strengthening people-to-people ties between India and China.
Speaking at the final round and award ceremony of the Chinese Bridge Chinese language proficiency competition (India Division) held in the national capital on Friday, Xu said the growing interest among Indian students in Chinese language and culture reflects expanding educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
He congratulated students, teachers, organisers and members of the judging panel and appreciated the confidence and language skills demonstrated by participants during the competition.
Highlighting recent engagement initiatives, the ambassador said more than 150 Indian students and educators had participated in Chinese language and cultural activities organised during International Chinese Language Day celebrations last month.
Describing Chinese Bridge as one of the major international platforms promoting Chinese language education, Xu said the competition has created opportunities for students globally over the last 25 years. He also referred to a previous Indian participant who later secured professional opportunities linked to Chinese industry.
Announcing a new Experiencing China study tour initiative for Indian youth, Xu said selected participants from this year’s competition would receive opportunities to visit China and gain exposure to the country’s social and economic development.
Emphasising the importance of direct cultural engagement, the ambassador said greater language understanding can contribute to stronger people-to-people exchanges between neighbouring countries.
The Chinese Bridge competition is organised by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation under China’s Ministry of Education and promotes Chinese language learning among students worldwide.
