On March 28, the 2026 National Chinese Language Conference, hosted by the Chinese Language Association of Secondary Elementary Schools (CLASS), was held at the Chinese Embassy in the United States. Minister Tang Zhiwen of the Chinese Embassy attended and delivered remarks, joined by Minister Counselor Shen Xuesong, who oversees educational affairs at the Embassy. The event drew nearly 200 Chinese language educators and experts from 20 states nationwide.

In his address, Tang stated that language is the most effective key to understanding a nation and serves as a bridge connecting hearts. He expressed his hope that Chinese language teachers will focus on cultivating students’ awareness and competence of intercultural communication, strengthen pedagogical innovation in Chinese teaching, continuously elevate overall quality of Chinese education, and encourage more American students to experience China firsthand, all in efforts to cultivate new-era generation of envoys for China-U.S. friendship.

Experts and teachers exchanged and shared insightful ideas and engaged in vibrant discussions on advancing Chinese language education and inter-cultural communication. Participants spoke highly of the conference for its insightful theme and comprehensive content, noting that it provided an important platform for innovating teaching methodologies and nurturing students' intercultural communication capabilities. They looked forward to more such learning and exchange opportunities in the future.