On May 9, the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles held the 2026 “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition, with 19 contestants from Southern California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Hawaii participating in the event.

Consul General Guo Shaochun said that language is the best key to understanding a country and its people, and also serves as a bridge connecting hearts and minds. Over the past 25 years, the “Chinese Bridge” competition has provided participants with an excellent platform to learn Chinese and share stories. He encouraged all contestants to showcase their talents, make friends through the competition, and achieve outstanding results.

Following intense rounds of speeches, Q&A sessions, and talent performances, Cody Kanehira from Hawaii, Maxwell Moser from Arizona, and Brooke Gonzales from Utah won first prize in the primary school, secondary school, and university divisions respectively. They will represent the Los Angeles region in the global finals to be held in China.