Scholars and international students attend a conference on Chinese language education at Southeast University in Nanjing, Jiangsu. [Photo/chisa.edu.cn]

Southeast University recently held an academic conference in Nanjing, Jiangsu, focusing on international Chinese language education and cross-cultural exchange. Over 200 representatives from prestigious universities such as Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University, Shandong University, Fudan University, and Nanjing University attended the event.

Wang Jinhong, chairperson of Chinese Plus, a digital cloud service platform dedicated to supporting international Chinese teaching, learning, and testing, said that the International Chinese Language Day on April 20 is an important celebration for global Chinese learners, admirers of Chinese culture, and educators. Chinese Plus has launched a variety of programs in recent years, including online Chinese classes and training for teachers, contributing to the high-quality and sustainable development of global Chinese language education.

Pu Zhengning, vice-dean of the College of International Students at Southeast University, said that the conference aims to explore the innovative development and future trends of the Chinese language in a globalized era. He highlighted the role of universities in nurturing a new generation of international talent who understands China and fosters cross-cultural exchange.

Distinguished speakers such as Ding Jie, vice-chairman of the Jiangsu Writers Association, and Cui Xiliang, former president of Beijing Language and Culture University, delivered keynote speeches on topics such as Jiangsu literature, Chinese calligraphy, and Chinese-language publishing. Their discussions offered theoretical and practical insight into the development of international Chinese education and the dissemination of Chinese culture.

The conference also featured performances by international students from Southeast University, and students from Algeria and Yemen presented a traditional Chinese exercise known as Ba Duan Jin.

Attending international students expressed their appreciation for the cultural experiences and academic discussions, noting that the event highlighted the importance of preserving and improving upon Chinese culture. They hope to play a role in promoting cross-cultural dialogue and serve as bridges for intercultural exchange.