Youth Promotes Cultural Communication

On May 4,

Two international students at CUEB,

Fang Ziyi from Cambodia and Lan Ying from Vietnam

joined Southeast Asian youth for a cross-cultural communication

hosted by the Youth Lens.

The students sat on the ground in an inclusive circular seating format,

engaging in candid discussions on most concerned global issues.

Fang and Lan, majoring in International Economics and Trade, shared their stories. Here at CUEB, they not only acquire knowledge from the classroom, but also broaden world outlook, meanwhile witnessing the deepening collaboration between China, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

As a junior currently, Fang views CUEB as both an academic launchpad and a sweet “home”. “The campus, clean and serene, creates an ideal environment for focused learning, and the professors are very nice,” He highlights the support from the International Students’ Office of the School of International Education. “The staff’s quick response to our concerns facilitate our campus life, making us feel at ease.” Participating in cultural events with students from China and other countries, Fang has forged profound friendships with students from over 20 countries.

Now a sophomore, Lan Ying thrives in CUEB’s Hongmiao Campus, located near the China Central Television (CCTV) Headquarters and the Embassy of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in The People’s Republic of China. “The location makes daily life extremely easy.” Lan notes, and particularly values the faculty’s care and patience, “Some activities with Chinese students provide us with better opportunities to learn about and appreciate the diversity of Chinese culture.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently visited Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia. These visits have marked a new milestone in the relationships between China and Southeast Asian countries and motivated more international students from the countries.

Speaking about Xi’s visit to Vietnam, Lan said excitedly, “The Vietnamese gave an unprecedented warm reception. I truly felt the ‘camaraderie plus brotherhood’ bond between China and Vietnam.” During the visit, Xi and To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, jointly attended the launch ceremony of the China-Viet Nam railway cooperation mechanism together. These projects will boost cross-border transportation and facilitate trade, becoming the remarkable projects of the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between the two sides. “The year 2025 is designated as the Vietnam-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges.” Lan also noted, “The two nations are deepening youth cooperation through Study Tours, cultural exchanges, and cross-border e-commerce. These projects provide more learning chances and promote innovative research.” She remarked that such exchanges would develop a new generation of students with global perspectives.

During Xi’s visit to Cambodia, the two sides issued a joint statement, proposing to build an all-round China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. This positioning highlights the strategic significance and comprehensiveness of China-Cambodia relations. The cooperation covers cross production and supply chains, AI, and development aid, laying a solid foundation for enhancing Cambodia’s independent development capabilities. Fang is enthusiastic about the ongoing youth exchanges. He has learned that initiatives like the “China-Cambodia Youth Dialogue” and “Young Leaders Training Program” are flourishing. “These exchange opportunities enable us to enhance mutual understanding, improve our Chinese language proficiency and academic performance, which will be invaluable for our future, whether in China or back at home,” he said. He believes friendship among the youth is key to consolidating China-Cambodia ties.

As China-Vietnam and China-Cambodia cooperation deepens, international students are experiencing unprecedented opportunities. They are not only witnesses but also active participants “Through the Young Partner Program and Study Tours, we are growing together with young people from other countries.” Lan said. She expected more technological cooperation and entrepreneurial support of innovations among the youth to ensure shared benefits for the common good.

Fang anticipates cutting-edge cooperation in digital and low-altitude economies among the two countries. “Such cooperation offers us a platform to showcase talents and provides a new driver for mutual development,” he said.

Currently, CUEB has been promoting the “Silk Road Project”,

issuing a global call for international students to join CUEB.

Let the seeds of diverse civilizations take root here,

strengthen people-to-people bonds,

and write a new chapter of friendship among the young,

ultimately contributing to regional and global prosperity.