Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the growing interest among Maltese students in learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture, showcasing various students' achievements in Chinese language competitions and their personal journeys in language learning [10][12][14]. Group 1: Student Achievements - Andreas Spiteri, a 9-year-old, won second place in the "Chinese Bridge" competition for primary school students in Malta, showcasing his language skills and cultural engagement [10]. - Bernard Vella, an 11-year-old, became the champion of the same competition, demonstrating his fluency in Chinese and musical talent through a performance of "Meng Jiang Nu" [11]. - Yason Gray, a 14-year-old self-taught student, won third place in the middle school competition, expressing his passion for Chinese language and culture [11]. - Luca Naudi, a 15-year-old, achieved first place in the middle school competition, marking his third consecutive year of participation and earning the opportunity to represent Malta in the global finals in China [12]. Group 2: Cultural Engagement - The article emphasizes that learning Chinese is not just about language acquisition but also about cultural exchange and personal growth for the students involved [13]. - The increasing number of Maltese students learning Chinese reflects a broader trend of cultural integration and the pursuit of diverse opportunities in their futures [12][13]. Group 3: Educational Policy - Chinese has been officially included in Malta's education system as a compulsory modern language, alongside Spanish, Italian, German, and French, and it became a subject in the secondary school graduation exams for the first time in May [14].

Core Points - The event marks the 35th anniversary of China-Saudi Arabia diplomatic relations and the launch of the "2025 China-Saudi Cultural Year" [1] - The "Chinese Bridge" competition in Saudi Arabia has become a platform for students to showcase their Chinese language skills and cultural understanding [2] - The increasing interest in learning Chinese among Saudi youth is seen as a pathway to future career opportunities, with many viewing it as a valuable skill for employment [3] Group 1 - The "Chinese Bridge" competition featured performances and speeches from students, highlighting their dedication to learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture [2] - The establishment of Chinese language courses in over a hundred public middle schools in Saudi Arabia in 2024 has contributed to the growing enthusiasm for Chinese language education [2] - The Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of Chinese language as a key to understanding Eastern wisdom and encouraged more Saudi students to study in China [2] Group 2 - Students expressed their aspirations to work in Chinese companies, reflecting the perception of Chinese language skills as beneficial for career advancement in Saudi Arabia [3] - The event showcased various cultural performances, including traditional Chinese arts, indicating a deepening cultural exchange between China and Saudi Arabia [1][2] - The participation of visually impaired students in the competition demonstrates inclusivity and the broad appeal of Chinese language learning [1]