The award ceremony for the 2026 "Modern China Through My Eyes" Chinese-language short video competition was held Nov 4 in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. The competition attracted 130 students from 24 schools and universities in the Auckland consular district who submitted 45 videos showcasing modern China from their perspectives.
In his speech, Chinese Consul General in Auckland Chen Shijie said the competition provides a platform for students in New Zealand to demonstrate their Chinese language learning achievements and tell stories about China through their eyes while also opening a window for New Zealanders to experience the unique charm of Chinese culture.
He encouraged more young people in New Zealand to learn Chinese and understand China, and become envoys of China-New Zealand friendship.
Professor Lawrence Zhang from the University of Auckland commended the students for their Chinese language skills, creativity and enthusiasm for exploration, noting that activities like this help strengthen cultural understanding and connections between the two nations.
Xuelin Zhou, New Zealand director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Auckland, said the students' video entries presented changes in Chinese society through concrete images of everyday life and preserved moments that may become meaningful records to look back on.
The competition has been held for three consecutive years. At the award ceremony, students also performed Chinese dances and sang songs, and delivered speeches in Chinese about China as they see it.
XINHUA
