The 2025 Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) Chinese Bridge Summer Camp: Understanding China opened on July 31 in Beijing, welcoming 154 teachers and students from 15 countries, including the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Poland, Austria, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain and Italy.

Jia Dezhong, deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, speaks at the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Jia Dezhong, deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, said young people are the most dynamic participants in cultural dialogue, adding that the world needs their open hearts and willing footsteps to overcome prejudice, foster understanding and build lasting friendships. 

Jia expressed hope that the camp will help participants gain a deeper understanding of China, experience the charm of Beijing and become ambassadors of peace and friendship. 

Liu Jianqing, deputy director-general of the CLEC, delivers a speech during the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

In his address, Liu Jianqing, deputy director-general of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), emphasized the importance of language in fostering communication, saying it is key to understanding a country. 

Liu encouraged students to enjoy learning Chinese, explore modern China and contribute to mutual learning among world civilizations. 

Nur Afifah Binti Elias (L), a Chinese language teacher from the Confucius Institute at the University of Malaya, and Joaquin Espejo Zhang (R), a student at the Confucius Institute in Barcelona, speak on behalf of the participating teachers and students, respectively. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Nur Afifah Binti Elias, a Chinese language teacher from the Confucius Institute at the University of Malaya, spoke on behalf of the participating teachers. She fondly recalled her years of study at BFSU and urged students to enhance their understanding and achieve personal growth. 

Meanwhile, Joaquin Espejo Zhang, a student at the Confucius Institute in Barcelona, shared his six-year journey of studying Chinese and his deep admiration for Chinese history and culture. Zhang said he looks forward to experiencing Chinese culture firsthand, building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals and engaging in a wide range of cross-cultural activities. 

Officials present flags to student representatives of participating teams from various countries. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Jia Dezhong (fifth from left) and Liu Jianqing (fifth from right) present copies of Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture, published by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, to the teachers leading each group. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Participants of the 2025 BFSU Chinese Bridge Summer Camp: Understanding China pose for a group photo. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The BFSU Chinese Bridge Summer Camp: Understanding China is jointly hosted by the CLEC and BFSU and organized by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. Aiming to promote global understanding and intercultural communication, the camp, as a flagship international Chinese education program for global students, is committed to providing high-quality Chinese learning experiences. Through language courses, cultural workshops and field visits, it helps participants gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and witness contemporary China firsthand.