The award ceremony for the 2026 "Modern China Through My Eyes" Chinese‑language short‑video competition was held on Wednesday in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. 130 students from 24 schools and universities in the Auckland consular district submitted 45 videos that depict modern China from their own perspectives.
In a speech at the ceremony, Chinese Consul General in Auckland Chen Shijie highlighted the competition’s role in providing students a platform to demonstrate their Chinese language achievements and to tell stories about China from their own angles. He also urged more young people in New Zealand to learn Chinese and to become ambassadors of China‑New Zealand friendship.
Professor Lawrence Zhang of the University of Auckland praised the entrants for their Chinese language skills, creativity and enthusiasm, insisting that such activities help improve cultural understanding and strengthen ties between the two societies. Xuelin Zhou, the director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Auckland, noted that the videos captured everyday life in China and preserved moments that could serve as valuable records for future generations.
Besides the short‑video presentations, the event featured students performing Chinese dances and singing traditional songs, and delivering speeches in Chinese about China as they see it. The competition has been held for three consecutive years, indicating a growing interest in cross‑cultural exchange through new media.