CIE held a tea gathering for Thai students on November 14 to mark the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations. The event took place at the Tea Culture Studio on the North Campus.

Lin Aiju, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the college, and Ding Qiang, Deputy Secretary, attended the gathering, joining Thai students in a warm and friendly exchange about their experiences and future aspirations.

In her opening remarks, Lin expressed warm greetings to the students and reflected on the long-standing friendship between China and Thailand. She praised the Thai students for their achievements at WZU and encouraged them to make the most of their time at the university. “Learn well, explore Chinese culture, and become cultural ambassadors who can contribute to the next ‘Golden Fifty Years’ of our two countries' relations,” she said.

Thai students then shared aspects of their culture—from cuisine and scenic spots to hometown traditions—in Chinese. Some also talked about their life at WZU, thanking teachers and Chinese classmates for their support.

Wang Mengtian, a freshman from the WZU-Burapha University joint program, said she has adjusted smoothly to life in Wenzhou. “I often ride a shared bike around the university for an hour a day. It’s a nice way to unwind and learn about the local culture,” she shared.

During the discussion session, students and faculty talked about cross-cultural adjustment, academic plans, and campus activities. Chen Mingli, a graduate student in TCSOL, said she initially struggled to follow lectures in Chinese but has gradually adapted. Other students raised practical concerns, such as limited washing machines in dorms and dormitory access rules. College leaders took note of their feedback and promised to follow up.

In his closing speech, Ding highlighted the significance of the recent state visit by Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn during this historic anniversary year. He also spoke about China-Thailand relations in the global context and encouraged the students to master Chinese and strive to become outstanding global citizens.