"Chinese Bridge" language competition promotes China-India exchanges: Chinese diplomat

NEW DELHI, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Through the "Chinese Bridge" language competition that connects the world, Indian youths can better understand the profound Chinese civilization, thus contributing to the friendly relationship between China and India, a Chinese diplomat has said.

Ma Jia, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in India, made the remarks at the final of the 22nd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition in India last week.

The Chinese language competition for foreign college students in India was held on Friday in Mumbai. Vishal Anand from Central University of Gujarat won the top prize and will represent India in the global finals in China.

"I believe that more and more youths in India will learn Chinese inspired by you," Ma told the event.

She said the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in India will continue to provide more platforms for Indian students to learn Chinese and facilitate their further studies in China so that they can serve as bridges of communication and messengers of friendship between the two countries.

"To make it to the final is not only the hard work of the contestants, but also the dedication of the teachers and the support from the headmasters," the Chinese diplomat said.

She believed that the Chinese language education in India will open up new horizons, and the mutual learning between Chinese and Indian civilizations will be carried on from generation to generation.