Fiji hosts Chinese language skills contest for college students

The 22nd Chinese Bridge Competition for Fijian college students concluded in the capital city of Suva on Tuesday.

A total of 13 students participated in the event, which was held by the Confucius Institute at the University of the South Pacific, and co-organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation under China's Ministry of Education and the Chinese Embassy in Fiji.

The competition was divided into two parts, including a themed speech and a talent show. Lily Teunroko from the University of the South Pacific in Suva won in the final round and will represent Fiji at the global finals in China.

"I never expected that I would win the first prize. I'm very happy to go to China," she told Xinhua.

Zhou Jian, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, said China attaches great importance to developing relations with Pacific island countries, including Fiji, and regards China-Fiji and China-Pacific island countries cooperation as an important part of South-South cooperation.