The Ministry of Education (MOE) launched the 2026 National Mandarin Promotion Week in Yanji, Jilin Province, on Sept. 14, under the theme “Promoting the Use of the National Language in Accordance with the Law to Advance the Building of a Stronger Nation”. This is the first National Mandarin Promotion Week since the revised Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language came into effect in early 2026. Huai Jinpeng, Minister of Education; Hu Yuting, Governor of Jilin Province; Tian Xuejun, Vice Chairperson of the Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC); and Song Li, Member of the Secretariat of the All-China Women’s Federation, attended and addressed the opening ceremony. Ren Youqun, Vice Minister of Education, presided over the event.

Huai highlighted historic achievements in expanding the use of the national language since 2012. By 2025, 87.72% of the population could speak Mandarin Chinese, while Chinese dialects and minority ethnic languages remained vibrant, providing a solid foundation for forging a sense of community for the Chinese nation. He called for efforts during the 15th Five-Year Plan Period to create an enabling linguistic environment for national development: 1) Promoting the national language in accordance with the law and establishing an efficient, law-based system of language governance; 2) Reinforcing moral education by integrating the national language more deeply into the education system and enhancing its teaching in schools; 3) Serving national strategies, with priority given to strengthening ethnic unity, advancing high-quality development, and fostering new quality productive forces, as well as upholding openness and inclusiveness.

Hu emphasized the importance of promoting the national language as a cornerstone for national unity, social stability, and common prosperity, especially in border areas. He said the government of Jilin will implement the revised Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language in government bodies and public schools alike, fostering a shared cultural identity and supporting long-term social and economic development.

A photo exhibition was held in parallel, showcasing the role of the national language in the people’s everyday lives. Also attending were representatives from the NPC’s Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee and member agencies of the National Organizing Committee for the National Mandarin Promotion Week, as well as representatives from the State Language Commission, relevant departments of the MOE, local government authorities, and industry.