Chinese language fever spreads to South America

The craze for Chinese language and culture has spread to the southern Hemisphere. Peru has hosted its own 'Chinese Bridge'—a language proficiency competition for foreign students—during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Thirteen contestants coming from the country's middle schools and colleges competed for the title of best Chinese speaker. They each had to display their fluency in Chinese by delivering a speech in the language, on the theme "China Dream." They then had to demonstrate their knowledge of Chinese art, dances, songs, traditional musical instruments and kung fu.

The entertainment section is a test of contests understanding of the culture of China, a land far away from their home. A nineteen year old female contestant won first place at the contest, and she will represent Peru in the grand final of "Chinese Bridge," which will be held in Beijing in July.

"Such a form of cultural exchange will facilitate the understanding between the two peoples, and thus facilitate our friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Especially so as China and Peru are now in an all-around strategic partnership," Chinese Ambassador to Peru Huang Minhui said.

Peru has the largest Chinese population in South America; almost Peru residents 3 million are overseas Chinese, accounting for one tenth of its total population. China's influence is spreading throughout Peru, and the South American country has established four Confucius Institutes. Many hope that Peru's first ever Chinese Bridge competition will help its people better understand Chinese culture.