U.S. student wins global title at Chinese Bridge competition

(ECNS) -- U.S. student Willa Brubaker won the global title at the 19th Chinese Bridge—Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students in Tianjin on Monday night.

U.S. contestant Willa Brubaker (second right) makes a heart gesture at the award ceremony after winning the global title at the 19th Chinese Bridge—Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students in Tianjin on Sept. 21, 2026. (Photo: China News Service/Tong Yu)

Representing the Chicago division, Brubaker had earlier been named champion for the Americas. She advanced to the global final alongside continental winners from Vietnam, Madagascar, Italy and New Zealand.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Bridge program. Contestants took part in Chinese-language and cultural activities in Beijing and Tianjin, including visits to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven.

Brubaker’s victory highlights the growing global enthusiasm for Chinese language and culture among young learners.

(By Helen Mo & intern Yang Hongran)