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By Stephen G. Fellajuah
The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was successfully held last September, marking another milestone in the growing partnership between China and Africa. During the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced ten new partnership actions aimed at jointly promoting modernization across the continent.
Among these is the Partnership Action for People-to-People Exchanges, which will focus on collaboration in education, youth development, women’s empowerment, and cultural engagement.
As part of this initiative, 2026 has been officially designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. According to Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, this designation highlights China’s commitment to deepening human connections through education and culture. “We will invite more African students to study and train in China,” the Ambassador stated, emphasizing the role of people-to-people bonds in fostering international cooperation.
The summit also witnessed a significant diplomatic development: the upgrading of China-Liberia relations to a strategic partnership. President Xi and Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai jointly announced the elevation, opening the door to enhanced collaboration in multiple sectors.
“I hope that more Liberian students can seize this unprecedented opportunity, learn Chinese well, become envoys of friendship between our two countries, and promote the continuous development of China-Liberia and China-Africa friendship,” Chengwu urged. He underscored the importance of the Chinese language as a bridge for mutual advancement and a driver of cooperative growth.
Echoing President Xi’s sentiment that “state-to-state relations thrive on close people-to-people bonds,” Chengwu emphasized the transformative power of mutual understanding and cultural exchange. “Civilizations flourish through exchanges and grow richer through mutual learning,” he added.
Ambassador Chengwu made these remarks during the 24th Chinese Bridge – Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia (UL). The event was held in the university’s Capitol Hill auditorium on May 23, 2025.
Among the nine participants, Jusu Nennee Dawolo was named the grand winner and will travel to the People’s Republic of China for further studies. The competition drew a diverse audience, including university officials, representatives from Chinese companies and enterprises, and other dignitaries.
Speaking further, the Chinese envoy highlighted the significance of the Chinese language not just as a tool for communication but as a carrier of China’s rich cultural and historical heritage. “It enables friends worldwide to appreciate the wisdom of ‘harmony in diversity’ and the spirit of ‘self-improvement and helping others thrive’ embedded in Chinese civilization,” he said.
“I am heartened to see growing numbers of people, particularly young learners, embracing Chinese. More friends greet me in this language every day,” he noted. “May we use Chinese as a cultural bridge to deepen exchanges, strengthen mutual understanding, and jointly advance an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.”
In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Layli Maparyan, President of the University of Liberia, described the event as a significant cultural and linguistic milestone, celebrating the power of international exchange and friendship. She noted that the Chinese Bridge Competition transcends a mere test of language skills; it is a living bridge connecting people, cultures, aspirations, and futures.
“At the University of Liberia, we are proud of our strong and friendly partnership with the Chinese government and its institutions,” she said. She credited the establishment of the Confucius Institute at UL with enabling many Liberians to receive Chinese language instruction and explore Chinese cultural heritage in meaningful ways.
“This is a testament to our shared belief in education as the cornerstone of mutual respect and global citizenship. Today is a celebration of curiosity, perseverance, and cultural diplomacy,” Dr. Maparyan stated.
Addressing the student competitors directly, she reminded them that they are ambassadors of Liberia. “Your interest in learning and engaging with Chinese culture speaks volumes about your global outlook and readiness to contribute to the world in diverse and dynamic ways,” she said.
Dr. Maparyan extended heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese government, Ambassador Chengwu, the Confucius Institute, and UL faculty and staff whose dedication ensures the success of the program. She concluded by reminding all in attendance that the bridges built through language, education, and cultural exchange are among the most enduring and beneficial.
“May this competition continue to inspire unity, understanding, and the collective pursuit of excellence. And may our partnership continue to grow from strength to strength,” she added. Editing by Jonathan Browne
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