A contest of Chinese language proficiency was held in a university in Brasilia, capital of Brazil from Friday to Saturday, where Portuguese-native students showcased their Chinese language proficiency and gave Chinese-style performances.

The contest, namely "Chinese Bridge," was held offline for the first time in the past three years in Brazil.
More than 20 students from 12 Confucius Institutes across the country participated in the contest, amazing audience with fluent Chinese-language speeches and wonderful Chinese-style talent shows.

The contest is hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Brazil. Chinese Ambassador Zhu Qingqiao said that as most of the contestants are in their early 20s, they are the ones who will start up the friendship between the two countries for the next 50 years.

"As the cooperation between China and Brazil in various fields deepens and expands, the demand for languages -- both Chinese and Portuguese -- is growing. Every year some 12,000 students register at the Confucius Institute in Brazil, and still more Brazilians want to be admitted and learn Chinese," said Zhu.