On September 27, the 2nd “Chinese Language + Vocational Skills” Education and Teaching Symposium under the New Standards Framework was held at Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU). The symposium was jointly organized by SZPU, Beijing Language and Culture University Press, the School of Applied Chinese Studies of Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing Polytechnic College, and Nanjing Polytechnic University, with support from Shandong Business Institute, Jinan Vocational College, and the editorial office ofInternational Chinese Language Education Research.

The symposium was held at the Lecture Hall of the Library, Liuxiandong Campus.

Anchored in the Standards of Chinese Language Proficiency for Vocational Education released by the Ministry of Education in 2023, and guided by the Outline for Building China into a Leading Education Nation (2024–2035) as well as the Plan for Developing High-Level Vocational Colleges and Specialties with Chinese Characteristics (2025–2029), the symposium focused on the high-quality development of“Chinese Language + Vocational Skills”education. Discussions centered on four key themes: innovation in talent cultivation models, practical challenges of “vocational education going global,” development of teaching resources, and the empowerment of education through digital and intelligent technologies. Participants systematically explored new strategies, models, pathways, and mechanisms for future development.

Xu Jianling, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and President of SZPU, and Hao Yun, Party Secretary and Chairman of Beijing Language and Culture University Press, delivered opening remarks. Xu Jianling noted that the symposium represents a concrete action by the vocational education community in implementing President Xi Jinping’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. He emphasized its practical significance in supporting high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, showcasing the linguistic value and cultural appeal of the Chinese language, and fostering global consensus on the collaborative development of vocational education. He called for in-depth discussions around the Standards of Chinese Language Proficiency for VocationalEducation and Vocational Education Teaching Standardsto produce more valuable results, encouraging educators in international Chinese education and vocational education to work together to cultivate versatile professionals who are proficient in both Chinese and technical skills, thereby better supporting the global expansion of Chinese manufacturing and standards.

Hui Hui, Deputy Director of the Division of Teaching and Resources at the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education, attended the symposium. Keynote speeches were delivered by Tian Hongfang, Party Secretary of Beijing Polytechnic College; Xie Yonghua, Party Secretary of Nanjing Polytechnic University; Wang Bingfeng, Dean of the School of International Education and Director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation at SZPU; and Chen Weichang, Editor-in-Chief of Beijing Language and Culture University Press andInternational Chinese Language Education Research.In his keynote address, Wang Bingfeng shared SZPU’s practical exploration of “Chinese Language + Vocational Skills” education, focusing on innovation in talent cultivation models and the development of SZPU’s international education brand. During the roundtable discussion, Wang Jun, Director of the Teaching and Research Office of the School of International Education at SZPU, participated in the session on faculty standards and capacity building, exchanging views on the deep integration of the “dual-qualified plus” teacher model with “Chinese Language + Vocational Skills” education.

The symposium provided a high-level platform for promoting the deep integration of Chinese language education and vocational skills, and for supporting the Belt and Road Initiative. It injected new educational momentum into the goal of building China into a leading education nation and advancing the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. Nearly 300 representatives attended the event, coming from 28 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across China, including 56 higher vocational institutions and 47 undergraduate universities. Chinese language education institutions from overseas, including Confucius Institutes and organizations from countries such as Vietnam, also participated.

(Reported by Wang Jun, School of International Education)