"I am a Chinese descendent born and bred in Thailand. I really couldn't tell whether I was a Thai or a Chinese when I was little. Thai is my mother tongue and I have always been communicating with others in Thai language. But in the inmost point of my heart I always feel a faint suspicion: Am I a Chinese or a Thai? Since my grandpa and grandma keep on telling me that my ancestors were Chinese I am determined to look for my roots. So I want to learn Chinese because Chinese is a very important tool to help me find my roots and fulfill my dreams ---"

It was a Sunday on June 27 and the sweltering Bangkok was much more serene than during the working days. The hall of Chulalongkorn University was filled with uninterrupted applauses and bustling with activity. National flags of China and Thailand were hanged in the middle of the hall and surrounded by color pictures of China's landscapes in various localities. Eighteen students from nine first-class universities such as Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University and Assumption University were participating in the third Thailand Chinese Bridge - Chinese Proficiency Competition. The above passionate monologue was words from the bottom of the heart of a student at the School of Literature of Chulalongkorn University. It won waves of ardent applauses. Indeed, mastering Chinese language is not only her personal wish but also the common wish of all the overseas Chinese and Chinese descendents in Thailand.

Chinese Bridge - Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, sponsored by The State Leading Group for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, has been held two years in a row with the purpose to further promote the teaching of Chinese in the world, to motivate young foreign students' enthusiasm for studying Chinese, and to increase their understanding of China. The competition held in Thailand consisted of four sessions including prepared speech on topic of one's own choice, extemporaneous questions and answers session, extemporaneous speech and talent performance. The participants, high-spirited and vigorous, kept on talking expressing their love for the Chinese culture wholeheartedly.

A student from Thammasat University delivered a speech on the topic - Feeling Connotation in China. She said, "When I was in China I felt that Chinese are very connotative. Westerners are accustomed to expressing their love boldly whilst Chinese rarely say the word 'love' although in their heart they love even deeper ---". The characterization with a clear and rich tone made the judges and audience nod repeatedly in affirmative response. The Chinese jokes she delivered later on during the talent performance won her even more hearty laughs.

The whole competition was brilliant and colorful. Participants followed one another onto the stage displaying their unique skills. A student from Chulalongkorn University painted a traditional Chinese landscape painting on the spot that made the audience clap hands in wonder. A student from Assumption University played a piece of melody with Chinese Guzheng (a 21 or 25-stringed Chinese zither) after delivering a speech. The rising and falling music filled the spacious hall with everyone in it being enraptured.

Little quizzes were held during the competition intermissions, which also attracted many Thai audiences. "The Naxi (a nationality in China) invented an ancient form of writing. What's the name of that writing?" "Dongba characters." "China is rich in ancient myths. Which book has the most?" "The Book of Mountains and Seas." Judging by their prompt and accurate answers we can see that the Chinese language is attracting more and more Thai students with its extensive and profound charm.

Professor Yang Tiange at Chulalongkorn University said to People's Daily the scale of this competition is unprecedented. The standard has been raised considerably either in terms of the number of participants or the level of their ability. This is because currently Thai schools engaged in Chinese education keep on increasing in number, the teaching of Chinese has a sound foundation and enthusiasm for learning Chinese is growing high.

The article was carried on the People's Daily newspaper, June 30, and translated by People's Daily Online