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.