Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) launched an exhibition to celebrate 20 years of the Confucius Institutes co-hosted by the university and their achievements on Oct 10.

Zhao Lingshan (L), secretary-general of the CIEF, and Jia Dezhong, deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, attend the opening of the exhibition. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Jia Dezhong, deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, delivers an address. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Jia Dezhong, deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, said the university has leveraged its strengths in multilingual teaching, country and area studies and interdisciplinary development to enhance international cooperation in language education, achieving mutual benefits and win-win results for both the university and the Confucius Institutes.

He also paid tribute to those who have worked on the front lines abroad for the growth of Confucius Institutes, as well as to those who have promoted international Chinese education.

Zhao Lingshan, secretary-general of the CIEF, gives a speech. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Zhao Lingshan, secretary-general of the Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF), spoke highly of BFSU’s achievements in co-hosting Confucius Institutes.

The exhibition showcases BFSU’s role in boosting cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and other countries, and represents the university's mission to connect China with the world and to cultivate interdisciplinary talents with patriotism, a global mindset and professional competence, Zhao said.

He expressed hope that BFSU will use this exhibition as a new starting point in its international education efforts, continuing to foster individuals dedicated to promoting cross-cultural exchanges and safeguarding world peace.

Photographs and exhibits are on display during the exhibition showcasing the achievements of Confucius Institutes co-hosted by BFSU. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The exhibition traces the development of Confucius Institutes co-hosted by BFSU since the establishment of its first institute in 2006, offering a comprehensive overview of the university’s achievements. 

To date, BFSU has established 23 Confucius Institutes in 18 countries, the highest number among universities in China, including seven that are recognized as global model Confucius Institutes. In addition, 12 directors, both Chinese and foreign, who have held their posts for over a decade, were awarded the Medal for Long Service as a Confucius Institute Director by the CIEF.

In recent years, BFSU has developed the first comprehensive Confucius Institute information platform in China and established an operating base for subsites of the Confucius Institute global portal, facilitating the digital and intelligent development of Confucius Institutes.