Twenty Portuguese students were awarded the 2025 “Chinese Ambassador” Scholarship on May 24 during a ceremony held at the Chinese Embassy in Portugal.  The scholarship was created in 2023 with the aim of encouraging Portuguese students to study Chinese language and culture.

Zhao Bentang, Chinese ambassador to Portugal, said in his speech that talent cultivation and humanistic exchanges are important pillars of Sino-Portuguese friendly relations. “With the deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Portugal, Chinese language teaching is thriving in Portugal, and more and more young Portuguese people are devoting themselves to learning Chinese, understanding China and the world with their love for Chinese language and culture.”

This year's “Chinese Ambassador” scholarships also include the “Contribution to Sino-Portuguese Educational Exchange Award.” Several rectors of Portuguese universities, including the University of Lisbon and the University of Coimbra, as well as principals and educators from local public schools, received the awards.

(Source: Xinhua Portuguese, on May 26)