NEW YORK - A group of US college and high school students amazed the audience with their excellent Chinese proficiency in a contest held in New York City on Saturday.

The 2019 "Chinese Bridge"-Chinese Proficiency Competition--East USA Preliminary, themed "One World, One Family" and "Learning Chinese, Creating Brighter Future," highlighted fierce competition among 20 college and high school students on their comprehensive knowledge about Chinese language and culture through "free speeches," "Q&As" and "Chinese talent show."

Aaron Bonneau, a sophomore from the University of New Hampshire, who has just started learning Chinese since last year, impressed the audience with a wonderful speech.

"Chinese language learning has led me to explore more about China," the 21-year-old told Xinhua, adding that he will continue this "tough yet interesting" journey for the rest of his life.

Zachary Zellner, a high school student from the US state of Ohio, who has been studying the language for five years, said he connected his future with Chinese opportunities.

"I plan to study, work and live in China in future," Zellner told Xinhua in fluent Chinese.

The event, hosted by the Chinese consulate general in New York, is an important platform for US students to display their talent and affection to China and the culture.

Winners of the preliminary rounds are qualified to go to China for the semi-finals and finals, and they will also get scholarships to further their studies in China as rewards, according to the organizer.

Huang Ping, Chinese consul general in New York, said young people in the United States could understand more about China via language learning, which would help facilitate bilateral communication.