On June 6th, the Tonga National Final of the 18th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students was successfully held at St. Andrew’s High School. Ambassador Liu Weimin, Acting CEO of Ministry of Education and Training Mrs. Lola Tokotaha, and over 200 representatives from various sectors attended the event.

Ambassador Liu stated in his remarks that the “International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations” is designated by UN. The “Chinese Bridge” competition serves as a vibrant practice in promoting intercultural exchanges and mutual learning. He encouraged students to use language as a bridge in their Chinese learning journey, make more Chinese friends, and gain a deeper understanding of China. He also hoped that they would continue to be supporters, participants, and promoters of China-Tonga cooperation.

Mrs. Tokotaha thanked China for its long-term support and assistance in various fields of Tonga’s development. She encouraged Tongan students to master Chinese language, understand Chinese culture, and acquire professional knowledge in order to promote exchanges and mutual learning between the two nations.

The event was filled with a warm and lively atmosphere as sixteen contestants showcased their Chinese language skills and passion for Chinese culture through performances, including speeches, singing, dancing, and calligraphy.