Jia Wenjian, president of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, led a delegation to Brazil from June 2 to 6. During his trip, Jia attended the China-Brazil University Presidents’ Dialogue held in Brasília, met with leaders of partner universities, visited the Chinese embassy in Brazil and traveled to the Federal University for Latin American Integration (UNILA) and the municipal government of Foz do Iguaçu. 

Jia Wenjian (front left), president of BFSU and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, and Diana Pereira (front right), rector of UNILA, sign a specialized academic exchange agreement between the two institutions. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The China-Brazil University Presidents’ Dialogue took place on June 3. Jia attended the dialogue and signed a specialized academic exchange agreement between BFSU and UNILA with Diana Pereira, rector of UNILA.

Jia Wenjian delivers a keynote speech during the dialogue’s thematic discussions. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

During the thematic discussions of the dialogue, Jia delivered a keynote speech titled “Global Dialogue and Intercultural Exchange: BFSU’s Practices in Promoting Mutual Learning Between Chinese and Brazilian Civilizations”. He emphasized the role of language as a carrier of civilization, highlighting the importance of mutual language and cultural learning, especially among youth, to achieve meaningful exchange and deeper understanding between the two nations. 

Looking ahead to further China-Brazil educational cooperation, Jia proposed to deepen collaboration in language education and encourage joint academic research and innovation between universities of the two countries. He also recommended expanding cultural exchange and creating a China-Brazil Language and Culture Cloud Platform to bring together shared resources. Furthermore, Jia advocated for new forms of participation in global governance to train young talent for international platforms such as the United Nations and BRICS cooperation. 

During the event, Jia exchanged views with leaders from BFSU’s partner institutions, including the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Pará State University, UNILA and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. The talks focused on deepening partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. 

Two BFSU alumni from the Portuguese language program provided simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and Portuguese during the dialogue, earning high praise from participants for their professionalism. 

On the afternoon of June 3, the BFSU delegation visited the Chinese embassy in Brazil, where Jia briefed embassy officials on the university’s recent developments and its cooperation with Brazilian institutions.

Delegation members pose for a photo with UNILA representatives. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

On June 4, the delegation visited UNILA in Foz do Iguaçu. The two sides further discussed the implementation of joint programs such as Chinese language instruction, student exchange and scientific research. Both parties expressed confidence in the prospects of mutually beneficial cooperation, citing years of sustained exchange and growing mutual trust. They voiced their readiness to mobilize resources in support of educational and cultural exchanges between China and Brazil.

Delegation members pose for a photo with officials of Foz do Iguaçu municipal government. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Later that day, the delegation visited Foz do Iguaçu municipal government. Officials from its tourism and foreign affairs departments welcomed the visit and noted the urgent need for language talent in the city’s engagement with China. They expressed appreciation for the upcoming cooperation between BFSU and UNILA. Jia introduced BFSU’s international development, the China MOOCs for Foreign Studies and the Global Language Service Platform.