In a landmark moment for China-Spain cultural relations, the SOUTH's Europe Bureau was officially inaugurated in Barcelona, alongside the launch of the Guangdong Global Communicators Exchange Program. The event was hosted by Nanfang Media Group and co-organized by GDToday and the Centro Cultural Kongzi, coinciding with the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain and the 20th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The ceremony, held at Centro Cultural Kongzi's Maristes Sants-Les Corts campus, brought together officials, diplomats, educators, and media representatives from both China and Spain, highlighting the strong institutional support behind the initiative.
Empowering youth to bridge cultures
The Guangdong Global Communicators Exchange Program is a pioneering initiative that seeks to deepen humanistic exchange between Guangdong and Spain through a blend of language, culture, and creative media. Co-implemented by GDToday and Centro Cultural Kongzi, the program will offer local youth immersive opportunities to experience Guangdong, engage in storytelling, and serve as bridges between the two cultures.
Program components include academic exchange trips to China's Guangdong province, the introduction of Lingnan-themed course materials into local Chinese classrooms, and the selection of outstanding teachers and students to serve as the first cohort of "Guangdong Global Communicators." These participants will share their stories through Vlogs, site visits, and social media, offering grassroots perspectives on how Guangdong culture—its food, products, and values—is being received across Spain.
At the ceremony, five teacher and student representatives from Centro Cultural Kongzi were awarded the honorary title of Guangdong Global Communicator. Among them was Sergi Vincente, one of the school’s directors, who reflected on his deep connection to China: "I originally planned to stay in China for just three weeks, but I ended up staying for twelve years." He met his wife in Beijing, raised two children who speak Mandarin, and continues to integrate Chinese culture into his daily life.
"Understanding each other is more important than questioning our differences. Communication is what allows us to move forward together," Vincente said. He also pointed out cultural similarities between Guangdong and Catalonia, Spain, noting their shared love for food, strong family values, diverse languages, and vibrant traditions. "People like me—who belong to both worlds—can act as cultural messengers. We understand the East and the West, and we're in a unique position to connect them."
A strategic gateway to Europe
The newly launched SOUTH's Europe Bureau, established by GDToday under the Nanfang Media Group, is based at Centro Cultural Kongzi and serves as Guangdong's first international communication outpost in Europe. The bureau will foster stronger media ties, educational partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges between China and the continent.
Liu Qiyu, President of Nanfang Media Group, emphasized the global resonance of Lingnan culture. "Lingnan culture, as a vital part of Chinese civilization, has already crossed oceans and borders," he said. "Together, we can build platforms for cultural learning, organize youth exchanges, and produce Vlogs and multimedia content that deepen cross-cultural understanding."
Ma Zhuomin, Chairman of Centro Cultural Kongzi, reaffirmed the school's commitment to this mission. "Promoting Chinese culture globally is the shared responsibility of all Chinese people," he said, noting that the school has always sought to build bridges between China and Spain. Since its founding in 2004, the school has grown into one of Europe's largest Chinese-language institutions.
Hu Aimin, Deputy Consul General of China in Barcelona, praised the collaborative effort and encouraged students to continue learning Chinese and sharing their stories with the world. He called on young people to become ambassadors of mutual understanding and advocates for cultural exchange.
Toward a shared cultural future
This event marked more than the launch of a program—it was a dialogue of hearts and minds between young people of two cultures. As Liu Qiyu noted, "From the shores of the South China Sea to the coasts of the Mediterranean, we are composing a symphony of shared civilization—one where the rhythm of heritage and the melody of connection echo far beyond borders."
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Photo: Zhang Ziwang, Li Fangwang
Editor: Hu Nan, James, Shen He
