From a Chinese language competition to a 'bridge of friendship'

From May 23-24, the final round of the 25th "Chinese Language Bridge" competition for university students in the Northern and Central regions, and the 19th competition for high school students nationwide, took place at Hanoi University.

The 2026 final round includes 12 outstanding contestants from 12 universities in the Northern and Central regions, along with 12 contestants from 7 high schools. The competition aims to provide opportunities for students learning Chinese to showcase their language skills, engage in cultural exchange, and contribute to enhancing mutual understanding between the younger generations of Vietnam and China.

Speaking at the competition, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Vietnam, He Wei, expressed his delight at the strong development of the Chinese language learning movement in Vietnam. The Ambassador emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is entering a period of unprecedented historical opportunity following the state visit to China by General Secretary and President To Lam in April.

Ambassador Ha Vi speaks at the final round of the competition. (Photo: HANU)

The ambassador expressed his hope that the students would use the Chinese language to open up broad career opportunities, while also acting as a "bridge of friendship," becoming successors and spreaders of the close ties between the people of the two countries.

Rector of Hanoi University, Nguyen Van Trao, speaks at the final round of the competition. (Photo: HANU)

According to the Rector of Hanoi University, Nguyen Van Trao, with its long history of foreign language training and as a place that nurtures the most outstanding Chinese language talents, Hanoi University considers language teaching not only as a means of imparting knowledge, but also as a mission to build a foundation for mutual understanding and trust between the two nations. This understanding is vividly realized through the bridging role of the Confucius Institute at Hanoi University, a symbol of educational cooperation that has been prominently featured in joint statements between high-level leaders of Vietnam and China.

Recalling General Secretary To Lam's strategic affirmation that youth are the core force in fostering bilateral relations, Principal Nguyen Van Trao expressed his great trust and affection for the students: "Every Chinese word you pronounce, every dance you perform, is a golden thread weaving a tapestry of friendship for the future."

A student talent competition performance. (Photo: HANU)

The finals of both competitions were lively and exciting. Contestants competed in two main sections: Public Speaking and Artistic Talent. In this arena, students not only demonstrated their fluent language skills through emotionally rich speeches and insightful answers about culture, geography, and history, but also excelled in artistic performances showcasing the beauty of Eastern civilization.

At the 25th "Chinese Bridge" competition for students, Le Van Dai from the University of Foreign Languages, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, excellently won the First Prize and the Special Prize for Public Speaking. Two Second Prizes went to Tran Bui Ai Linh (Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam) and Vu Thi Tra My (Hanoi University). Tra My also won the Talent Award. Three Third Prizes were awarded to Pham Thanh Son (Dai Nam University); Hoang Thi Huyen (Hung Vuong University); and Hoang Thi Duong Huyen (Military Science Academy).

Le Van Dai, a student from the University of Foreign Languages, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, excellently won the First Prize and the Special Prize for Public Speaking in the competition. (Photo: HANU)

Contestant Do Tue Anh (Chu Van An Specialized High School, Lang Son) excellently won the first prize along with the special award for the Public Speaking Competition. (Photo: HANU)

Delegates take a commemorative photo with the award-winning contestants. (Photo: HANU)

At the 19th "Chinese Language Bridge" competition for high school students, contestant Do Tue Anh (Chu Van An Specialized High School, Lang Son) excellently won first place along with the Special Prize for Public Speaking.

Second prize went to two contestants: Nguyen Xuan Thang (Thai Binh Specialized High School) and Nguyen Hoang Thuy Trang (Foreign Language Specialized High School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi). Thuy Trang also had the honor of receiving the Talent Award.

Third prize was awarded to three contestants: Le Ban Mai (Foreign Language Specialized High School), Vy Anh Nguyet (Chu Van An Specialized High School, Lang Son), and Ngo Vo Thuy Chi (Phan Boi Chau Specialized High School, Nghe An).

In addition, the organizers also awarded Encouragement Prizes to 5 other talented contestants.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/tu-cuoc-thi-han-ngu-toi-nhip-cau-huu-nghi-221667.html