Deputy Consul General Qin Yong Highlights Cultural Ties at 8th Xuanzang Cup Chinese Language Competition

By A Staff Reporter

Visva-Bharati University hosted the 8th Xuanzang Cup Chinese Language Competition on Thursday, where Deputy Consul General of China in Kolkata, Qin Yong, underscored the deep-rooted cultural bonds between India and China and the growing enthusiasm for Chinese language education in India. Addressing students, faculty members and dignitaries, Qin expressed gratitude to Visva-Bharati University and Cheena Bhavana for their continued support in promoting Chinese studies.

Qin highlighted the symbolic significance of the competition’s namesake, Master Xuanzang, whose historic journey to India epitomized the spirit of civilizational exchange. He noted that students learning Chinese today are carrying forward this legacy by building bridges of understanding between the two cultures.

Emphasizing the evolution of China’s economic landscape, Qin pointed out that the country is set to conclude its 14th Five-Year Plan with an expected GDP of 19.7 trillion USD by the end of 2025. He cited China’s role as the world’s largest manufacturing nation and its substantial contribution to global growth. Bilateral trade with India, he added, reached 115.2 billion USD in the first three quarters of the year.

Qin also referred to the recent meetings between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan and Tianjin, noting that they have set the tone for renewed engagement. He welcomed India-China initiatives such as visa facilitation and the resumption of direct flights as signs of improving ties.

Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Qin recalled the contributions of Rabindranath Tagore and Cheena Bhavana to historical cultural linkages. He called upon young participants to continue fostering mutual understanding and to become modern-day “Xuanzang” figures through their linguistic and cultural pursuits.

Qin concluded by reaffirming the Chinese Consulate’s commitment to enhancing youth exchanges and practical cooperation with Eastern India, wishing the competition success and the participants a bright future.