On June 11, 2026，Ambassador Xiao Junzheng delivered an address at the 25th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Israeli College Students, which was successfully held at Tel Aviv University. More than 100 people were present, including Professor Asaf Goldschmidt, Director of the Confucius Institute and Mr. Konstantin Platonov, Asia Engagement Director at Tel Aviv University, as well as Chinese language teachers and learners from related universities, friends and family of the contestants.

The video remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the 2026 event to celebrate the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations were presented at the event. Xiao said that the world is facing many challenges, and exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations can provide inspiration and guidance as we work together for common development. In this sense, the “Chinese Bridge” is not merely a language competition, but serves as a bridge for communication, understanding, mutual trust, and appreciation among civilizations.

Professor Asaf Goldschmidt delivered a welcome address, stating that the significance of the “Chinese Bridge” competition lies not only in determining the winners, but more importantly, in inspiring enthusiasm for learning Chinese and promoting mutual understanding between the people of China and other countries around the world.

Jin Yufei, a young diplomat from the Chinese Embassy in Israel, gave a live lecture in Chinese about Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s video remarks and received a warm welcome.

The competition was hosted by Tel Aviv University Confucius Institute and featured 13 participants from Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University and Haifa University to present their talents. In the end, Tomer Ben Shimol from Haifa University won the first place.