Havana recently hosted Cuba's edition of the China Bridge competition, a global event organized by Confucius Institutes to celebrate linguistic talent and cultural understanding. Over 30 Cuban students demonstrated their Mandarin proficiency through speeches, calligraphy, and traditional performance art, competing for scholarships and a spot in the international finals held annually in China.
The contest highlights growing educational ties between China and Latin America, with participants citing opportunities for academic advancement and cross-cultural exchange. Winners gain access to fully funded study programs at Chinese universities, a pathway increasingly sought by young Cubans amid expanding bilateral cooperation.
Confucius Institutes, which promote Chinese language education worldwide, have established three centers in Cuba since 2009. Recent data shows Mandarin enrollment in the Caribbean nation has grown 40% since 2020, reflecting China's soft power initiatives and Cuba's strategic educational priorities.
