"Chinese Bridge" language competition held in South Africa

A contestant gives a speech at the competition

Port Elizabeth – Final competition of the 17th "Chinese Bridge", a Chinese language proficiency competition for college students, was held here on Saturday.

Twenty first teenagers studying Chinese took the writing test, demonstrated Chinese language and cultural skills such as dancing, singing and martial arts.

Weian, from Confucius Institutes of University of Johannesburg, and Xiaoxiao, from Confucius Institutes of Rhodes University won the competition, and will represent South Africa at the finals in China.

A contestant gives a speech in the competition

While addressing the event, Zheng Wen, an official with the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, said this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa. Chinese language as the bridge between two countries cultural communication, will further strengthen solidarity and cooperation between China and Africa.

The "Chinese Bridge" competition was first organized in 2008 to inspire the students between 15 and 20 to learn Chinese and enhance their understanding of the Chinese culture.