Voices from the competition

During the finals, we heard from one of the many talented competitors. He said that the world is at a crossroads of cooperation and confrontation. That’s the choice we have. China Daily, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the city — all of you, by your presence here, have made that choice, and it is for cooperation, not confrontation.

Paul Boateng, chairman of the English-Speaking Union

Our cultures are different. They are sources of pride in our history and our development and how we got to be where we are. We all have things to learn from each other

and share with each other. I’m happy that the students are able to express confidently and clearly the part their culture played in history. Christopher Powers, executive director at the TESOL International Association

The 21st Century Cup story is one of Chinese students striving to improve their English speaking and communication abilities, but more important it’s a story of China’s remarkable progress in opening-up and its sincere efforts for better mutual understanding with the outside world.

Zhang Jianmin, director of the Department of Translation and Interpretation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The old era is like a cocoon, protecting us from possible dangers outside and providing us with warmth and comfort. However, the cocoon can also serve as a wall to bar us from the beautiful world outside. In order to make brand-new attire or to build a modern Silk Road, we have to plunge the cocoons into hot water and obtain the silk despite the pain. So, ladies and gentlemen, don’t be trapped by the old era. Transcend it, and embrace the new one.

Ni Kan, a runner-up in the China Daily 21st Century Coca-Cola Cup National English Speaking Competition