Speaking competition 'serves as training camp'

The 21st annual "21st Century - Coca-Cola Cup" National English Speaking Competition, co-sponsored by China Daily, Coca-Cola China and New Oriental Education & Technology Group, kicked off on Wednesday in Beijing.

Zhang Hongbin, deputy director-general of the International Affairs Bureau at the State Council Information Office, acknowledged the competition's contribution to enhancing Chinese youth's ability to communicate internationally.

"The competition serves as a training camp as well as a thrust to boost Chinese students' overall international competitiveness," Zhang said at the launch. Wang Ximin, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, which publishes the 21st Century newspaper, reiterated the competition's commitment to build a platform where academia, schools, students and the public can exchange ideas.

"We are committed to making further contributions to China's English education and also to the healthy development of students in China," Wang said.

David G. Brooks (Lu Dawei), executive vice-president of Coca-Cola Greater China, hailed China's achievement over the past three decades in domestic development and international communication.

"Mastering a foreign language is just like a credit card with unlimited withdrawal," Brooks said.

wangzi@21stcentury.com.cn