Remarks by Chinese Ambassador to North Macedonia Jiang Xiaoyan at the 2026 “Chinese Bridge” Competition

Respected Mr. Robert Adzipetrov, Director of Pedagogical Service of the Ministry of Education and Science,
Respected Professor Sonja Topuzovska, Vice Rector of UKIM,
Dear Professor Vlatko Stoilkov and Professor Liaowei, Directors of Confucius Institute at UKIM,
Dear Sinologists Igor Radev, Sara Cvetanovska, Marina Marinova,
Dear teachers, students, parents and friends, 

Good afternoon, everyone! It is a great pleasure to be present at the finals of the 2026 "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition, North Macedonia Division. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the contestants, whose remarkable talent, dedication, and enthusiasm have shone so brilliantly on this stage. I also congratulate the Confucius Institute at UKIM for its meticulous preparation and outstanding organization of this event.

I sincerely thank our three distinguished sinologists for their impartial and expert judging. A special note of gratitude goes to Ms. Marinova, who traveled all the way to Skopje to join us today.

The Chinese language carries the wisdom and civilization of the Chinese nation, spanning thousands of years. It is a cultural gift that China shares proudly with the world. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Chinese becoming an official language of the United Nations. Today, one-fifth of the global population speaks Chinese, and Chinese language education is offered in over 180 countries and regions.

As a flagship initiative launched by China to support Chinese language education worldwide, the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition has, since its inception in 2002, inspired more than 1.8 million young people from over 160 countries. Over 7,000 international students have competed in the global finals in China, and hundreds of millions of viewers tune in annually. Today, "Chinese Bridge" has grown into a globally recognized competition, widely celebrated at home and abroad as the "Olympics of the Chinese Language."

Connecting hearts and bridging distances, the Chinese Bridge is, above all, a bridge of friendship. This is my first time attending a "Chinese Bridge" final here. Since assuming my post just over six months ago, I have been deeply moved by the Macedonian people's enthusiasm for learning Chinese and their genuine appreciation for Chinese culture. From the bustling streets of Skopje to the quiet corners of Resen, I am often warmly greeted with a simple "Nǐ hǎo." An increasing number of Macedonian schools now celebrate the Chinese New Year. More municipalities and universities have established Confucius Classrooms, and people of all ages are embracing the language. Since the second half of last year, Chinese has been officially integrated as a credit elective into the curriculum of the Faculty of Languages at UKIM, cementing its place within our higher education system.

As Confucius once said, "The gentleman makes friends through culture, and cultivates virtue through friendship." Today's event is a wonderful gathering of talent. Though you come from different ages and backgrounds, you are united by a shared passion for the Chinese language. "Chinese Bridge" is far more than a competition; it is a platform for dialogue, mutual understanding, and friendship forged through culture.

Transcending borders, the Chinese Bridge is also a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning. The annual holding of this competition in North Macedonia, alongside the growing passion for Chinese language studies, vividly reflects the deepening cultural ties between our two nations. It bears witness to the ever-stronger bonds between our peoples. This exchange flows both ways. Macedonian language and culture are deeply cherished in China. Enrollment in Macedonian language courses at Chinese universities continues to rise steadily. *Sunlight Shines from Both Sides*, the first bilingual poetry anthology bridging China and North Macedonia, has been successfully published in China. In just the past two months, numerous renowned Chinese scholars and poets have visited North Macedonia to engage in meaningful academic and literary exchanges with local intellectuals. Our two cultures admire, interact with, and enrich one another, offering a beautiful example of how diverse civilizations can shine side by side.

Our three distinguished judges today-Igor Radev, Sara Cvetanovska, and Maria Marinova-began their own Chinese language journeys in their youth. Some have devoted themselves to literary translation, while others have built their careers around teaching Chinese. For decades, they have championed cultural exchange and inter-civilizational dialogue, making the Chinese language a cornerstone of their professional lives. Their personal journeys are, in themselves, powerful stories of bridge-building between our nations.

The Chinese Bridge not only inspires dreams for the future but also serves as a vital bridge of cooperation, friendship, and shared development. Mastering a foreign language is never an easy journey, yet through perseverance, dedication, and passion, you have each earned your place on this stage. Your commitment reflects not only a genuine appreciation for Chinese language and culture but also a deep interest in China's modernization and a shared aspiration to strengthen practical cooperation and mutual understanding between our two countries.

I am confident that today's competition will become a cherished milestone in your personal and academic journeys-one that will inspire you to continue pursuing linguistic excellence, cultural exchange, and opportunities for future growth.

Today, China is North Macedonia's third-largest trading partner and remains its largest outside Europe. Growing people-to-people exchanges are creating broad opportunities for talented professionals with Chinese language skills. Some now work as journalists for CGTN, serve with Sinohydro, contribute to leading Macedonian travel agencies, or interpret at international sporting events. Last summer, more than a dozen students from the Confucius Institute attended the "Chinese Bridge" summer camp in China, experiencing firsthand the dynamism and vitality of China's development. Currently, Eli, one of our institute's students, is pursuing advanced studies in China on a Chinese Government Scholarship.

I encourage each of you to keep honing your skills, to use the language as a window to perceive China, and to discover a real, comprehensive, and multidimensional country. I look forward to seeing you grow into active promoters of China-North Macedonia relations, engaged participants in our bilateral cooperation, and a new generation of friendship ambassadors. Together, let us work hand in hand toward an even brighter future for our two nations.

Thank you!

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