International Chinese Language Day has sparked vibrant celebrations around the globe, showcasing the global resonance of linguistic diversity and cultural inclusivity.
Marking its 2010 establishment, the day coincided with Grain Rain, one of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar, and emphasized equal recognition of the United Nations' six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
In honor of the day, the Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University, a premier private institution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, organized vibrant celebrations on Saturday. The event showcased Chinese culture through activities such as calligraphy and embroidery workshops, alongside displays of intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, attracting local enthusiasts.
At the University of Zambia, the Confucius Institute also marked the occasion by hosting celebrations that welcomed members of the local Chinese community and participants eager to immerse themselves in Chinese traditions.
"It's quite a delicate art in which you learn on how to write the beautiful Chinese characters, also known as 'Han Zi' in Chinese," said Damian Mukumbuta, a Zambian student.
"Paper-cutting is one way of learning Chinese. You get to learn paper cutting in different ways, different styles, and it brings out different shapes which are really nice and attractive," said Godfridah Malama, a Zambian student.
Meanwhile, similar celebrations took place in Turkmenistan, adding to the worldwide enthusiasm for honoring Chinese language and culture.
2025 Int'l Chinese Language Day celebrated globally, highlighting cultural diversity
Rawalpindi, the garrison city neighboring Pakistan's capital Islamabad, is on high security alert ahead of the expected second round of U.S.-Iran talks.
Rawalpindi is not only an important transport hub for Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, but is also home to Nur Khan Air Base, where the U.S. delegation landed during the first round of U.S.-Iran talks.
More than 600 checkpoints were set up in the city, and local business activities were also reduced, local media reported.
Footage from a China Media Group (CMG) reporter showed that many shops in major commercial districts in downtown Rawalpindi were closed, and more police were visible on the streets.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday that U.S. representatives were going to Islamabad for negotiations. Sources say advance teams from the U.S., including security personnel, have arrived in Islamabad to coordinate arrangements for the expected talks.
Meanwhile, Iran's official news agency IRNA said on the same day that the country had rejected taking part in the second round of talks.
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East, and exercising tight control over the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire was achieved between the warring parties on April 8, which was followed by lengthy talks between the Iranian and U.S. delegations in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on April 11 and 12.
Security strengthened in key city near Pakistan's capital ahead of expected U.S.-Iran talks
