As Chinese-Cambodian relations continue to flourish, interest in learning Chinese is gaining momentum across Cambodia, according to Taing Mengchhong, president of the Confucius Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia.
This growing enthusiasm is reflected in Cambodia's ranking as the most enthusiastic country for Chinese language learning on language-learning app Duolingo.
Taing recalled that back in 2009, Xi, then Chinese Vice President, visited the academy and unveiled the plaque for the Confucius Institute, marking the beginning of official Chinese language education in the country.
"On December 22, 2009, China's then-Vice President Xi Jinping visited and unveiled the plaque for our Confucius Institute right here. Since then, the institute has played a key role in bilateral cultural exchanges. I hope his latest visit brings even more scholarships and study opportunities for our students," he said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up on Friday his two-day state visit to Cambodia, during which he and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet agreed to build an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, and designated 2025 as the China-Cambodia Year of Tourism.
The importance of learning Chinese has also become increasingly evident to Cambodian officials. As the two countries deepen their cooperation, many government representatives are seeking Chinese language skills to enhance communication with Chinese counterparts and enhance work efficiency, Taing said.
"It's both emotional and practical. Cambodians are fond of China, and our ties have grown stronger across politics, economics, culture, and education. Chinese speakers often earn higher salaries than those who only speak English. Our Confucius Institute works closely with the local government. About 90 percent of our classes are held in ministries like the Prime Minister's Office, Defense, Senate, Foreign Affairs, and Culture. We send teachers directly to those departments. Our main campus here also serves university students, civil servants, and even monks," he said.
Cambodia is the third and last leg of Xi's five-day, three-nation Southeast Asia tour, which also included state visits to Vietnam and Malaysia.
Interest in Chinese language soars in Cambodia amid strengthening bilateral ties
