Language a gateway to deepening Sino-Saudi relations

For Shahad Alsalahi, mastering Chinese has unveiled a gateway to global perspectives.

The final-year college student from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was among four learners honored as"2025 Chinese Language Star" during Sunday's International Chinese Language Day event, co-hosted by King Saud University and Chinese energy giant Sinopec.

"My father once worked in China, so our family has numerous cultural keepsakes," Alsalahi said. "Those porcelain dishes he gifted remain household treasures today, serving as early inspirations for my China fascination.