Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) Vice President Liu Xinlu led a delegation to Belgium and Hungary from April 25 to May 1, visiting the Confucius Institute in Liège, the Confucius Institute in Brussels, and the Confucius Institute at Eötvös Loránd University.
Upon arrival in Belgium on April 25, the delegation visited the Confucius Institute in Liège for the inauguration of the BFSU Belgium Alumni Association, followed by attendance at the institute’s 20th anniversary gala. In his remarks, Liu emphasized that the Confucius Institute in Liège has remained rooted in language instruction while serving as a bridge for cultural exchange and people-to-people understanding. He noted the institute’s evolution toward a renewed focus on “dialogue and integration,” positioning it as an essential platform for helping the Walloon region understand China and deepening Sino-Belgian friendship. The following morning, Liu participated in the 2026 board meeting, where both Chinese and Belgian directors reported on institutional achievements and discussed program initiatives for the coming year. Liu commended the institute’s progress in language education and cultural programming, encouraging continued exploration of contemporary expressions of Chinese traditional culture to attract more Belgian youth to Chinese language study and cultural learning.
On April 26, the delegation visited the Confucius Institute in Brussels for substantive discussions with leadership from both sides. That evening, Liu attended a ceremony commemorating the 55th anniversary of China-Belgium diplomatic relations and celebrating International Chinese Language Day. In his address, Liu reaffirmed BFSU’s commitment to its mission of introducing China to the world, emphasizing the university’s role in cultivating culturally aware language professionals who can deepen educational collaboration and foster mutual understanding between the two nations.
The delegation proceeded to diplomatic meetings on April 27. Liu visited Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao, updating him on BFSU’s recent developments in academic programs, talent cultivation, and international exchange. Ambassador Fei praised BFSU’s work in collaboratively establishing the Brussels and Liège Confucius Institutes and provided updates on the latest developments in China-Belgium and China-European Union relations. Later that day, Liu met with Ma Tao, minister-counselor at the Chinese Mission to the European Union, discussing BFSU’s contributions to advancing China-EU high-level people-to-people exchange mechanisms and developing a distinct academic approach in foreign language studies. Ma highlighted BFSU’s distinctive role in promoting China-Europe cultural exchange, and international Chinese language education while sharing emerging trends in China-Europe higher education cooperation.
The delegation then proceeded to Hungary. On April 28, the delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Hungary to meet with Counselor Yang Xiuhua, updating him on BFSU’s recent achievements and development priorities. Yang outlined the current state of Sino-Hungarian relations and affirmed the significant role the Confucius Institute at Eötvös Loránd University plays in advancing people-to-people and educational exchange between the two countries.
On April 29, the delegation convened with Confucius Institute Chinese staff at Eötvös Loránd University for an exchange with faculty and volunteers. Liu encouraged all educators and volunteers to fulfill their responsibilities diligently while serving as ambassadors of Chinese culture and promoters of Sino-Hungarian friendship. Later that morning, the delegation attended the institute’s board meeting, hearing reports on 2025 activities, financial performance, and 2026 plans and budgets. Liu reflected on the longstanding partnership between BFSU and Eötvös Loránd University, particularly the 2006 establishment of Hungary’s first Confucius Institute—a milestone in Sino-Hungarian educational cooperation. He proposed expanding collaboration beyond foreign language disciplines into areas including law, regional and country studies, and data management, thereby opening new chapters of institutional partnership. That evening, the delegation participated in the Confucius Institute’s 20th anniversary celebration. On behalf of President Jia Wenjian, Liu extended warm congratulations, characterizing the institute as an exemplar of Sino-Hungarian educational and cultural exchange born from committed collaboration. He expressed confidence that the institute will continue charting new horizons in promoting educational cooperation and deepening the friendship between China and Hungary.
