VIENTIANE, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The final round of the 20th "Chinese Bridge" contest, an annual Chinese proficiency competition for non-Chinese college students hosted by the Chinese embassy in Laos and the Confucius Institute at the National University of Laos (NUOL), was held here on Monday.

Counselor of the Chinese embassy in Laos Qin Chen said the NUOL Confucius Institute has become an important platform for Lao people to learn Chinese and to understand China, thus has enhanced the friendship between the two peoples.

In particular, the institute has been carrying on online teaching during the COVID-19 epidemic, which makes positive contribution to the Chinese language teaching in Laos.

The Chinese official also said after years of development, the "Chinese Bridge" competitions have bridged the hearts of people, selected and trained a number of outstanding Chinese language talents in Laos. He hoped that more Chinese learners in Laos will learn more about Chinese culture and contribute to enhancing and deepening the friendship.

Houngphet Chanthavong, vice president of the NUOL, said the annual "Chinese Bridge" competition provides an important platform for Lao students to learn and experience Chinese culture. He hopes the contestants to become the ambassadors of the two countries' friendship, to contribute to the promotion of the Laos-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and the Laos-China community with a shared future.

The contest themed "One world, one family" comprised three sections including speech, real time Q&A and talent show.

During the contest, contestants showed their Chinese language skill and understanding of the Chinese culture, while also competing in Chinese art performances. A student named Viengnakhone Vongvixai from NUOL's Faculty of Letters won the championship.

The NUOL started Chinese language teaching in 2003. In 2006, the NUOL Chinese Language Department selected its first representative to go to China to compete in the "Chinese Bridge" college student Chinese language competition.