Beijing International Studies University (BISU) held the opening ceremony on Sept 8 and launched the military training for the Class of 2025. At the event, over 3,500 students were gathered, including 2,157 undergraduates, 790 postgraduates and nearly 600 international students from 115 countries, all embarking on a new journey at the 61-year-old institution.

The opening ceremony is held on Sept 8.

Chang Yu, secretary of the CPC BISU Committee, presented the regimental flag to the new students attending the military training at the ceremony.

Ji Jinbiao, president of the university and deputy secretary of the CPC BISU Committee, extended a warm welcome to the freshmen and offered encouragement.

The ceremony was presided over by Gong Bo, vice-president of the university and a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC BISU Committee.

Before the ceremony began, BISU chorus members gave a performance of Defend the Yellow River and Please Review. They have also performed during the grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

BISU chorus members perform at the ceremony.

At the ceremony, three student representatives shared their experiences of growing together with BISU, showcasing the vitality and positive spirit of youth.

Yao Yuchen, a 2022 graduate student from the School of Tourism Sciences, shared her experiences in scientific research and academic exchange during her time at BISU. She said, "The academic journey is not about spectacular achievements, but about advancing steadily with a down-to-earth attitude. At BISU, we are given both a window to explore the world and a platform to remain firmly rooted in China."

Shi Yutong, a member of the BISU chorus, a veteran, and a student from the School of Economics, recounted his experiences as a soldier participating in flood relief missions and honoring the motherland at Tiananmen Square. He remarked, "We do not stand at an ordinary starting point, but on a path forged by the youth and perseverance of countless people. What we sing is more than a song, it is a silent promise passed down through generations. Here at BISU, may we live up to our time and mission, and dedicate our youth to where our motherland needs us most."

Zhou Ziyan, a volunteer for the V-Day commemorations, recipient of BISU Wutong Medal, and a student from the School of European Studies, shared her journey of growing and engaging with the world, with BISU as her foundation. She said: "What moves me most about BISU is that it not only gives us a stage to honor our country but also the courage to reach out to the world. May we all find our own path to connect China with the world and write a brilliant chapter for the new generation of BISU students!"

Meng Dehui, a 2025 undergraduate student from the School of Middle Eastern Studies, Xu Yilang, a 2025 graduate student from the School of Country and Region Studies, and Yan Ailing, a student from Armenia from the School of International Education, spoke as representatives of the freshmen, expressing their pursuit of ideals and their expectations for their college lives.

Representatives of the freshmen deliver speeches.

At the ceremony, the university leaders held a school badge-wearing ceremony for freshmen representatives from each college.

The military training instructors demonstrated basic skills, which amazed and impressed the faculty and students.

At the end of the ceremony, Ji Jinbiao delivered a speech, encouraging the students to embrace their new journey at BISU, broadening their horizons while exploring the world.

In his speech, Ji spoke of his three hopes for the students: He hopes that the students will hone their professional skills and lay a solid foundation for success, cultivate their innovative spirit, maintain independence and self-confidence and persevere in striving for excellence and dare to forge ahead.

Ji Jinbiao, BISU president and deputy secretary of the CPC BISU Committee, delivers a speech.

The opening ceremony was conducted both online and offline, with a simultaneous live broadcast held at the Yanqing campus.