On August 7, Ambassador Gong Tao attended the pre-departure guidance session and symposium for Hungarian Recipients of the 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship. Counselor Yang Xiuhua of the Chinese Embassy, a representative from the Hungarian Ministry of Education and Children, Academician Hamar Imre (Hao Qingxin) of Eötvös Loránd University, Director Csarlé Szalét of Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Dean Bérczi of the University of Public Service, young diplomats from the Embassy, and over 40 representatives of incoming and returning Hungarian students to China were present.

Ambassador Gong extended congratulations to the scholarship recipients and invited them to begin this new chapter of learning in China. He noted that studying in China is not only a valuable opportunity for young people to advance their education and self-development, but also an important avenue for deepening civilizational exchanges and mutual learning between China and Hungary and cementing the friendship between the two nations. He highlighted the profound tradition of two-way student exchanges between the two countries, noting that mutual learning among students continues to inject vitality into bilateral people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Ambassador Gong pointed out that this year marks the opening year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, as Chinese modernization advances steadily. The framework of high-level opening-up and a sound international talent cultivation system provide an excellent learning platform for international students, enabling them to engage with China-Hungary practical cooperation and achieve both academic accomplishment and practical utility. He encouraged the students to cherish this opportunity and serve as people-to-people envoys of bilateral friendly exchanges.

At the symposium, Hungarian representatives offered advice to the students on immersing themselves in China, experiencing Chinese culture, and playing a bridging role. The participating students took the floor to share their thoughts, pledging to develop a deeper understanding of China and contribute to spreading China-Hungary friendship and deepening bilateral ties. Representatives from the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and East China Normal University, together with Embassy staff and representatives of returning students, conducted specialized pre-departure guidance both online and offline. The on-site interactions were lively and cordial.