by Nguyen Thi Thuy Anh

HANOI, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- During the past 10 years after the establishment of strategic partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the cultural cooperation between China and Vietnam has expanded not only through governmental exchanges but also through non-governmental activities.

During the period, a series of cultural exchanges between the two countries was initiated, including a China-Vietnam friendship gathering, song festivals, and the "Chinese Bridge," the annual Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, said Liu Sanzhen, cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam, in a recent interview with Xinhua.

According to Liu, among the many activities between the two countries, the "Chinese Bridge," which has been held in Vietnam for the past many years, has been the most prominent.

"Through the contest, Vietnamese students were able to showcase their talent and understanding about Chinese culture through questions on Chinese language and performances of martial arts, comic, calligraphy and dancing. This kind of activities has contributed a lot in promoting the bilateral friendship between China and Vietnam," Liu said.

On educational exchanges, Liu said that since the 1950s, China has helped Vietnam in training a lot of talents. According to initial statistics through bilateral cooperation in education, around 14,000 Vietnamese students are now studying in China. About 3,000 to 4,000 Chinese students are also studying in Vietnam.

Every year, the Chinese government provides dozens of full scholarships for Vietnamese students, further enhancing the bilateral ties between the two countries and the promotion of socialist ideals, Liu said.

"It can be said that educational exchanges are of great significance in spreading Chinese culture and promoting China- Vietnam friendship, especially among the young generations," Liu added.

During the visit of Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang to China in late June, the two countries reached agreements on various fields, including the promotion of cultural exchanges. As a result, a decision was made for the establishment of cultural centers in Beijing and Hanoi.

"Under the consensus of the two leaders, cultural centers will be soon established in each country. It will definitely enhance cultural cooperation between the two countries," Liu said.