Welcome to the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne for the"Chinese Culture

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   Welcome to the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne for the "Chinese Culture Day" 2018.
   Speaking of the Chinese culture, many of you are no stranger to it. As one of the four great ancient civilizations in the world, China boasts a unique and splendid culture that dates back over 5, 000 years. It is open and inclusive and believes in the harmonious coexistence, interchanges and mutual learning among different cultures.
   In recent years, as China’s economy develops rapidly and China-Australia cultural and people-to-people exchanges grow closer, more and more people have come to know and like China and the Chinese culture. Symbols of the Chinese culture such as Chinese cuisine, TCM and martial arts, can be seen everywhere in Melbourne and other parts of Victoria, and the Chinese New Year celebrations have become part of the local life.
   Today’s event is attended by over 300 students from more than a dozen schools. But the total number of Chinese-learners in primary and middle schools in Victoria has reached 80, 000. As Australia’s "capital of education and culture", Victoria leads other states in education and cultural exchanges with China, and has the most successful Chinese teaching programs.
   There are now 4 Confucius institutes and 16 Confucius classrooms in the state, and 5 Victorian universities offer Chinese courses. Mandarin has become the second most popular foreign language in Victoria, as more people are fascinated with China’s economic success and cultural charm, and many schools have established sister relationships or introduced exchange programs with Chinese counterparts. But this would not have been possible without the unremitting effort and support of the Victorian government and people of all walks of life in the strengthening cultural and people-to-people links between us. My sincere thanks and appreciation go to all those who have contributed.
   While language is a key to the understanding of a country, culture builds the bridge of communication that brings people’s hearts closer. Today’s event can only give you a taste of some features of the Chinese culture. If possible, I recommend you go and visit China to see things for you and get a more complete picture and deeper understanding of the country. I hope in the future you will be the friendship ambassadors promoting cultural links between our two peoples. The Chinese Consulate stands ready to work with people of all circles in Australia to write a new chapter of friendship between China and Australia.