On April 25, Ambassador of China to Croatia, Qi Qianjin, attended 2026 “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Croatian university, secondary, and primary school students. Over 200 participants were present, including Professor Davor Švaić, representative of the University of Zagreb, as well as teachers and students from the university’s Confucius Institute, contestants and their parents.

In his remarks, Ambassador Qi noted the growing enthusiasm among Croatian youth for learning Chinese and exploring Chinese culture, symbolizing the deepening people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. He encouraged contestants to stay committed to their studies and practice diligently, and wished them success in advancing in the competition.

Professor Švaić expressed gratitude for the Embassy’s long-standing support for the University of Zagreb and affirmed the university’s willingness to expand cooperation with China in education and cultural fields.

The competition was co-hosted by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation and the Chinese Embassy in Croatia, and organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Zagreb. After intense competition, Jozić, Odak, and Vasilj from Zagreb won first place in the university, secondary school, and primary school categories, respectively.