Cultural bridge: Chad and China deepen ties through Chinese language contest
The grand finale of the national Chinese language competition in Chad has become a landmark event, symbolizing the deepening cultural and academic bonds between Chad and China. Held at the Mother-Child University of Humanities in N’Djamena, this year’s edition marked six years of fruitful collaboration through the Confucius Institute at the University of N’Djamena (UNDJ). The competition, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Chad and co-hosted by the Confucius Institute, brought together the brightest young minds to celebrate linguistic excellence and intercultural dialogue.
Strengthening bonds through language and education
The event transcended mere academic achievement, as emphasized by Mahamat Saleh Daoussa Haggar, President of the University of N’Djamena. In his address, he described the competition as a testament to a changing world—one where youth are stepping forward to bridge gaps between nations through knowledge and cultural exchange. He highlighted the pivotal role of young people in shaping the future, stressing that investing in education is synonymous with investing in peace, development, and regional stability. The ceremony was enriched with traditional Chinese proverbs that underscored the importance of passing wisdom to future generations.
For the university, the competition is more than a contest—it is a strategic move to foster cultural and academic exchange between Chad and China. By encouraging students to embrace the Chinese language, the event opens doors to international opportunities and broader global perspectives. This year’s edition also commemorated the sixth anniversary of the Confucius Institute at UNDJ, which has evolved from a language center into a vibrant hub for cultural dialogue and intellectual transformation.
Diplomatic and academic leaders celebrate cooperation
Wang Xining, the Chinese Ambassador to Chad, delivered a keynote speech underscoring the significance of the competition in nurturing linguistic and cultural ties. Held within the walls of the University of N’Djamena, the event highlighted the central role of academia in fostering bilateral relations. Ambassador Wang praised the robust cooperation between China and Chad, particularly in higher education, university exchanges, and youth development programs.
He acknowledged the tangible support provided to Chadian students through scholarships, exchange initiatives, and Confucius Institute activities. More than just mastering vocabulary or grammar, he noted, learning a foreign language is about building bridges between civilizations. The theme of the competition, “Bridge to Chinese,” embodies this vision—a challenge that symbolizes connectivity and mutual understanding between the two nations.
Expressing gratitude to university leaders, faculty, and students, Ambassador Wang emphasized that proficiency in Chinese offers Chadian youth a gateway to global opportunities. By learning the language, students become ambassadors of friendship, playing an active role in shaping a shared future. He also stressed the importance of cultural exchanges in solidifying relations between the two peoples, where language learners serve as cultural envoys contributing to bilateral progress.
Looking ahead: shared development and modernisation
Beyond the competition, both governments are aligning their strategic visions to create synergies. Current efforts focus on integrating China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Chad’s *Tchad Connexion 2030* initiative. This alignment aims to unlock new avenues of pragmatic cooperation, driving modernization and delivering tangible benefits to the people of both nations.
