Chongqing - As the 2025 National Two Sessions approach, deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee from Chongqing are preparing to head to Beijing for the annual political gathering.
Among them is Dong Hongchuan, a member of the CPPCC National Committee and president of Sichuan International Studies University (SISU), who has been actively promoting the integration of foreign language education with China's national development strategies.
Dong Hongchuan is a member of the CPPCC National Committee and president of Sichuan International Studies University (SISU). (Photo/Qi Lansen)
On the bustling campus of SISU, students are already back, engaging in multilingual discussions in English, French, German, and Chinese. These vibrant scenes are a testament to Dong's vision of cultivating a new generation of foreign language talents who can effectively communicate China's modernization story to the world.
Last year, Dong submitted four proposals during the National Two Sessions, all of which received serious consideration from relevant departments.
His proposals focused on enhancing the cultivation of foreign language and translation talents to build China's international discourse system, strengthening the management of minors studying abroad, advancing digital reforms for policy simulation, and improving community-based elderly care services.
One of his key proposals highlighted the urgent need to train more international communication and foreign language talents in the era of artificial intelligence.
Dong emphasized that as the global landscape undergoes rapid changes, China must equip itself with professionals capable of narrating its modernization achievements to the world.
The Ministry of Education responded positively, pledging to further promote the high-quality development of foreign languages and the cultivation of international communication talent.
Dong noted encouraging progress over the past year, including SISU's approval as one of the first institutions to offer a Doctor of Translation and Interpreting (DTI) program.
"This reflects the nation's commitment to nurturing foreign language and translation talents," he said.
A core focus for Dong has been aligning the reform and development of foreign language institutions with national strategic needs.
Under his leadership, SISU has adopted a "Foreign Language+" approach, integrating disciplines such as economics, law, and international relations with foreign language studies to create a comprehensive academic system.
The university has also introduced dual-degree programs, such as English + Law, and established 12 new minor programs. "Cross-border E-commerce is recognized as a key industry-education integration specialty in Chongqing.
Dong stressed that the quality of a university's faculty determines the caliber of its graduates. Last year, SISU invited a renowned expert in English literature from the University of Edinburgh to teach and mentor students and young faculty.
"We focus on the quality of knowledge exchange, not just the number of classes," Dong explained. "This approach enriches the educational ecosystem and prepares students for a rapidly changing world."
Dong's proposals over the years have shown both consistency and progression.
This year, he continues to focus on how foreign language institutions can serve national priorities but with a more targeted approach. He advocates for leveraging overseas higher education institutions to expand the audience for China's modernization stories and adopting a "dual-wheel drive" strategy for international communication.
The "dual-wheel drive" strategy involves two key components: first, integrating the efforts of state-owned media overseas branches and Chinese-backed social media platforms to amplify China's voice abroad; second, collaborating with foreign media outlets to regularly disseminate China's modernization achievements.
"We must utilize our foreign language strengths to make China's stories heard and appreciated," Dong said.
Dong plans to submit proposals on deepening international educational cooperation and advancing the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor at this year's National Two Sessions. These proposals will contribute to the internationalization of China's higher education and its broader opening-up efforts.
Through his unwavering commitment, Dong exemplifies how foreign language education can serve as a bridge for China to share its modernization journey with the world.
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