Chinese Bridge Competition in Ethiopia Highlights Growing Cultural Ties Between Ethiopia, China

Addis ababa: The 25th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Ethiopian university students was held today at Ras Mekonnen Hall of Addis Ababa University, marking a key event aimed at strengthening cultural exchange and educational cooperation between Ethiopia and China. The final stage of the national competition brought together 19 contestants who showcased their Chinese language proficiency through speeches, cultural knowledge quizzes, and talent performances.According to Ethiopian News Agency, participants shared personal experiences in learning Chinese and responded to spontaneous questions on Chinese culture. The talent segment featured a wide range of performances, including clapper talk, tongue twisters, martial arts demonstrations, calligraphy, painting, Chinese songs, opera, traditional dance, and flute solos, reflecting both linguistic ability and cultural appreciation.At the conclusion of the competition, two outstanding students, the winner of the special prize and the first prize, were selected to represent Ethiopia at the 2026 Chinese Bridge World Chinese Proficiency Competition for College Students Global Finals and Observation Finals in China, where they will compete with Chinese language learners from around the world.Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai described the Chinese Bridge Competition as an important platform for fostering cultural exchange between China and Ethiopia. He noted that Chinese is the most widely spoken native language globally and serves as an official working language in major international organizations, including the United Nations. He added that global interest in learning Chinese continues to grow, with learners increasingly acting as 'friendly ambassadors' of cultural exchange and people-to-people ties. According to him, the Chinese Bridge initiative plays a unique role in connecting China with other countries through language and cultural understanding.Ambassador Chen also expressed hope that more Ethiopian youth will take up Chinese language studies, gain deeper insight into China's development, and contribute to strengthening China-Ethiopia relations, as well as broader China-Africa cooperation toward modernization and a shared future.On his part, Acting President of Addis Ababa University, Samuel Kifle, praised China's long-standing support for Chinese language education in Ethiopia. He said the development of Chinese studies in the country has created an important bridge between Ethiopian and Chinese youth, while also contributing to talent development and mutual understanding between the two cultures. Samuel further noted that Addis Ababa University will continue to work closely with Chinese institutions, agencies, the Chinese Embassy, and other partners to deepen educational cooperation and expand academic exchange. He emphasized that the Chinese Bridge Competition has become a key platform for Ethiopian students of Chinese to demonstrate their skills, exchange ideas, and strengthen cultural ties between the two nations .