The Department of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Management, China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU), held the fifth Knowledge on Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs contest at CFAU’s Shahe Campus from 18:00-19:30 on November 15th, 2017. The contest sought to deepen students’ knowledge of and interest in basic diplomatic concepts, foreign affairs, as well as foreign policies. Under the leadership and guidance of the CPC Committee of the Department of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Management, focusing on major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era, this contest, as one of the Department’s areas of focus, provides a platform for university students to develop pragmatic and pioneering spirit and lays solid foundations for their growth to be qualified professionals in diplomacy and foreign affairs. In this contest, Fanchao and Zhao Luoxi, teachers from the Department of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Management were invited to be the judges, and Yang Yang, counselor of the Department, also attended. The contest was presided over by Pan Xingjun and Wang Shuyun, students from the Department of Diplomacy.       

The contest was greeted with warm applause by freshmen and sophomores from the Department of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Management. In particular, several juniors from the same department were invited to serve as guides for these participants. The contest consisted of four sections, including multiple choice questions, guessing for nouns, and simulating giving speeches as spokespersons practicing interactions with the audience, during which all contestants were divided into five teams with each composed of four students.      

During the contest, the participants impressed the audience with their composed manner, quick-thinking, concise answers, and brilliant teamwork, demonstrating their abundant knowledge and practical skills in diplomacy and foreign affairs. After finishing all four sections, the judges made comments on the performance of each team, tackled some puzzles during the contest, and gave their valuable suggestions. Finally, first prize was presented to the freshman class Foreign Affairs delegation, second prize went to the sophomore delegation, Class of International Organization, and the freshmen delegation of Dual Training Class. The sophomore Class of Foreign Affairs and Dual Training Class won third prize.                 

This contest provides a great opportunity for students to share and learn from each other, which contributes to more favorable learning environment in our Department. Moreover, it not only strengthens their professional competence, but also inspires the students to keep an eye on diplomacy with a global vision and shoulder the responsibility as what young diplomats do. Thus, the contest demonstrated the distinctive academic character of the Department of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Management and its strong reputation.  

The contest has well-received by both teachers and students. Through this extra-curricular activity, our students have broadened their horizons and meanwhile enhanced their practical skills and abilities.