Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A number of significant cultural and educational initiatives aimed at expanding humanitarian cooperation between China and Uzbekistan have been implemented with the active support of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.

Today, Tashkent hosted the award ceremony for the winners of the 24th “Chinese Bridge” World Chinese Language Competition for university students and the 18th edition of the same contest for middle and high school students.

The “Chinese Bridge” (汉语桥) is an international Chinese language proficiency competition organized by Hanban (Center for Language Education and Cooperation), aimed at promoting the global learning of Chinese. Since its launch in 2002, more than 600 contestants from over 147 countries have participated in the annual competitions.

Among the key initiatives implemented in Uzbekistan were the “Chinese Bridge” contest, the video competition “Chinese Modernization Through My Eyes,” the quiz “China and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” and other events that resonated widely among youth. This year, around 300 participants from across Uzbekistan took part, with 20 winners selected—two of whom earned first prizes and will represent the country in the final global round in China.

Chinese Ambassador to Uzbekistan Yu Jun emphasized that the main goal of these events is to provide young Uzbek citizens with greater opportunities to learn the Chinese language, explore China’s history and modern realities, and deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, the ambassador expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants and to the teachers who helped prepare the young contestants. Special thanks were extended to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan for their fruitful cooperation and support of educational initiatives.

The embassy congratulated the winners of the language and creative contests, as well as the scholarship recipients, praising their thirst for knowledge, high level of preparation, and genuine interest in Chinese culture.

China and Uzbekistan are not only close neighbors but also reliable strategic partners, united by a common vision of stable, peaceful, and sustainable development. As ancient civilizations with rich cultural traditions, the two nations have maintained close ties along the routes of the historic Silk Road for centuries.

Today, bilateral cooperation is entering a new phase of vigorous development. Under the strategic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries continues to deepen. Political trust is growing, practical collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative is expanding, and humanitarian exchanges are intensifying.

Language plays a key role in this process, serving as a vital tool for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Interest in learning Chinese is rapidly growing in Uzbek educational institutions, with more and more young people discovering modern China, its culture, and values—thereby contributing to the strengthening of bilateral friendship.

The events held showcased the participants’ high level of preparation, deep awareness of contemporary China, and a strong desire among Uzbek youth to engage in the development of international relations.

These initiatives not only promote the Chinese language and culture but also help to broaden the dialogue between civilizations, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.