Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) held its opening ceremony for the incoming class of 2026 on Sept 7, welcoming 3,292 first-year students from across China and 1,147 international students from 92 countries as they embark on a new journey at the university.
BFSU welcomes class of 2026 on Sept 7. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]
In his welcoming address, BFSU President Jia Wenjian noted that the new intake arrives in a year of special significance — the 85th anniversary of the university. He encouraged students to turn the depth of language into the breadth of life, anchor personal growth in the coordinates of the times, and build calm confidence in an uncertain world by staying open and curious.
BFSU President Jia Wenjian delivers a speech at the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]
Speaking at the ceremony, Marta Betanzos Roig, ambassador of Spain to China, likened football to a shared language that transcends borders, expressing her hope that BFSU students would play a key role in China-Spain cultural exchange and help the two peoples build new dialogue, cooperation and friendship. She encouraged the freshmen to maintain curiosity, perseverance and team spirit.
Marta Betanzos Roig encourages BFSU students to foster China-Spain cultural exchange. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]
Xie Rongbin, BFSU alumnus, chairman of the China Energy & Automobile Media Group, and editor-in-chief of the People's Daily, told the students that language is not only a tool of communication but also a bridge that leads through mist to truth based on his own experiences. He urged them to hone their language skills, hold firm to a Chinese perspective, and be bold cross-disciplinary pioneers.
BFSU leaders present flowers to the freshmen. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]
Faculty and student representatives also shared their insights and aspirations.
The ceremony was broadcast live through an online platform, where the parents of the new students watched and shared in the joy and excitement together.
Group photos of freshmen at the ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]
