On April 12, Counselor Tang Jun attended the 2025 International Chinese Language Day celebration hosted by Wellington Chinese Language School (WCLS) at the Johnsonville Library and delivered a speech. Zhang Yi, Chair of Wellington Chinese Language School, and Sue Jane, Community Cultural Event Manager of Johnsonville Library, along with over 100 Chinese language learners and local residents, attended the event.
Counselor Tang Jun stated that Chinese is one of the most ancient and captivating languages. From the earliest oracle bone inscriptions to modern regular and cursive scripts, each character serves as a timeless capsule, preserving the essence of China’s 5,000-year civilization. By mastering Chinese, the world’s most enduring living ideographic writing system, one can not only gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, build friendship with Chinese people, and engage with China's development, but also enhance logical reasoning and spatial cognition.
"Language," she affirmed, "is the bridge to mutual understanding and dialogue." In recent years, Chinese language education in New Zealand has thrived through collaborative initiatives between the two nations’ educational authorities, supported by three Confucius Institutes, New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust, and grassroots organizations like WCLS. These efforts have sparked growing interest among New Zealanders in learning the Chinese language and exploring its culture, playing an active role in bringing the the hearts of the two peoples closer together.
Counsellor Tang emphasized that 2025 marks the beginning of the second decade of the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with increasing exchanges between the peoples of both countries. She also highlighted the ease of travel and digital payments in China for international visitors, warmly inviting New Zealanders to experience China’s beautiful landscapes. Seizing International Chinese Language Day as a timely opportunity, she encouraged the audience to embrace Chinese language as a "gift transcending time and space"-- the very theme of this year’s celebration, through tangible actions such as writing a Chinese character, speaking a Chinese phrase, or reading a Chinese text. Such efforts will strengthen mutual understanding, build bridges of exchange, and contribute to a healthy and stable bilateral relationship.
The celebration featured cultural performances by WCLS and Eastern Echoes, blending music, dance, and martial arts. Traditional Chinese music pieces like "Immortal Melody of Cloud Palace" and "Silver Clouds Chasing the Moon" captivated the audience. The familiar folk song "Jasmine Flower" evoked the charm of ancient water towns south of the Yangtze River. A Tai Chi performance showcased the grace and subtlety of traditional martial arts. After the performances, attendees joined workshops on traditional painting, calligraphy, woodblock printing, and lacquer-fan artistry, immersing themselves in the richness of Chinese culture.
During the event, Counselor Tang also presented the Johnsonville Library with a "Auspicious Snake", symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and well-being.