On 3rd June 2026, Chinese Consul General Mr. Liu Jun attended the final round of the 25th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Language Proficiency Competition in Iraq. The competition was held by the Chinese Consulate General in Erbil and organized by Chinese Department, College of Language of Salahaddin University. More than 350 people attended the event, and several Chinese and foreign media outlets reported on it.

Liu Jun stated that the Chinese language is a cultural treasure that China brings to the world. Since the Kurdistan Region of Iraq first hosted the "Chinese Bridge" competition in 2022, the number of participants has continued to grow, and the Chinese language proficiency of contestants has been constantly improving, with a growing enthusiasm for learning Chinese in the KRI. We look forward to more and more young people in the KRI loving learning Chinese language and embracing China through the "Chinese Bridge" competition, becoming envoys of friendship connecting China and Iraq.

After competition involving talent shows, themed speeches, and knowledge quizzes, Li Kaiwen, a second-year student from the Chinese Department of Salahaddin University, won first place and will represent Iraq in the global finals in China.