Highlights of Beijing’s People-to-People International Exchanges: Capital Normal University, an Envoy for International Cultural Exchange_Express

Editor’s Note:

On March 28, Capital Normal University (CNU) delivered a presentation to share its exemplary practices at the Thematic Meeting on People-to-People Diplomacy of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee. Let’s take a closer look at CNU’s wonderful stories to witness the charm of people-to-people international exchanges.

Established in 1954, CNU is included in China’s Double First-Class Initiative and also one of the earliest universities in Beijing to engage in international exchanges and cooperation. In recent years, CNU has actively participated Beijing’s efforts to build itself into a center for international exchanges, serving China’s overall diplomacy. CNU has dedicated itself to cultural promotion and global talent cultivation, contributing to people-to-people connectivity between China and other countries.

I. Serving China’s Overall Diplomacy Through Cultural Exchanges

The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations. A Chinese version of The Three Musketeers, a renowned French literary masterpiece translated by Professor Li Yumin of the School of Foreign Languages at CNU, along with more than ten other carefully selected Chinese translations of French literary masterpieces, was presented as a gift to President Emmanuel Macron. These works stand as vivid testaments to the cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and France.

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The Three Musketeers Translated by Professor Li Yumin

On April 29, 2024, just ahead of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s visit to Serbia, CNU held the first China-Serbia Cultural Exchange Forum in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. About 50 experts, scholars, and government and industry representatives from China and Serbia gathered to discuss the historical development of bilateral cultural exchanges, civilization dialogue and new opportunities for people-to-people exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

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The First China-Serbia Cultural Exchange Forum

On May 9, 2024, Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Aniko Levai, wife of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, jointly visited the Independent Confucius Classroom, which was co-built by CNU and the Hungarian-Chinese Bilingual School. They observed Chinese language classes and traditional cultural lessons of paper-cutting and calligraphy.

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Peng Liyuan Visits the Hungarian-Chinese Bilingual School

Two students from the Hungarian-Chinese Bilingual School, Hu Lingyue and Song Zhixiao, wrote letters to President Xi Jinping in 2023, sharing their experiences of studying Chinese for twelve years and expressing their eagerness to study in China. These two students, along with other Hungarian classmates, are now pursuing their studies at CNU, aspiring to become envoys for promoting the friendship between China and Hungary.

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Hu Lingyue (Right) and Song Zhixiao (Left), Students Who Wrote Letters to President Xi

II. Advancing People-to-People Connectivity between China and Other Countries through Cultural Development

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Hanfu Parade Held by the Confucius Institute Co-built by CNU and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

The Confucius Institutes and independent Confucius Classrooms established by CNU span across four continents. Since 2007, these institutions have trained over 130,000 overseas students and organized more than 8,000 activities, earning widespread acclaim in their host countries and regions. They serve as bridges and hubs that foster friendships and mutual appreciation among youths worldwide.

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Cultivating Overseas Chinese Language Teachers

CNU has also vigorously promoted the cultivation of overseas Chinese language teachers. Since 2018, it has trained 4,500 Chinese language teachers from 41 countries, actively responding to the growing demand for Chinese language learning globally. These teachers are encouraged to serve as cultural envoys and tell the stories of China and Beijing well. Three of CNU’s senior experts in Chinese language education have served multiple times as the national Chinese language consultants in the USA and Canada. During their postings, they trained teachers and designed curriculum standards, making contributions to the global promotion of Chinese language education.

III. Supporting Beijing in International Talent Cultivation with Diverse Programs

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CNU Students Engage in Multi-Theme Workshops at International Organizations

CNU has established a high-standard innovation and practice base for talent cultivation. More than 400 students and faculty members have held positions or completed internships with international organizations and academic consortia, receiving widespread acclaim.

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Former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović (Second from Left) and Her Delegation Are Invited to Visit the Institute of Global and Area Studies at CNU

The Institute of Global and Area Studies at CNU brings together outstanding scholars in Slavic studies and other fields, with a focus on the Balkan countries. The institute actively contributes insights to the BRI and the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC).