Feature: Lebanese youth develop increasing interest in Chinese chess

Participants compete during the first Confucius Institute Chinese chess championship in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

by Dana Halawi

BEIRUT, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Moslem Nasrallah, 22, is seated at a two-person table, engrossed in a Chinese chess board, deliberating strategic moves with his sister before a competition at the Confucius Institute at Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut. Despite recently acquiring the skills to play Chinese chess, also known as Xiangqi, Nasrallah secured the first prize in the beginner's category.

"I am eager to enhance my proficiency and partake in international Chinese chess competitions," he told Xinhua.

Nasrallah said having previously played chess facilitated his rapid grasp of Chinese chess, adding that Chinese chess is more tactical, fostering critical thinking skills.

Chinese chess is gaining popularity among Lebanese youths, prompting collaboration between the Confucius Institute at USJ and the Xiangqi Committee in Lebanon to organize the inaugural Confucius Institute Xiangqi Championship, attracting around 70 participants from Lebanon and China.

Elie Al-Mallah, a 23-year-old Lebanese, who studied Chinese translation at the Lebanese University, expressed, "I believe playing Chinese chess is an integral part of learning about Chinese culture." Al-Mallah was drawn to Chinese chess for its mental stimulation, citing its distinct piece movements from regular chess and its representation of a battlefield.

Al-Mallah observed a growing awareness among Lebanese parents regarding the significance of understanding Chinese culture, encouraging their children to engage in activities related to China.

Johnny Abou Jaoude, 14, shared his enthusiasm for Chinese chess, discovered online, and his two-year participation in classes with the Xiangqi Committee. "I love the rules in Chinese chess," he exclaimed, expressing his desire to popularize the game in Lebanon by sharing it with friends.

Elias Abou Jaoude, the head of the Xiangqi Committee in Lebanon and organizer of the USJ's Chinese chess competition, revealed that the committee focuses on promoting Chinese chess in schools through seminars, emphasizing its cognitive benefits for children.

"We aspire to make this event an annual tradition with USJ, expecting increased participation in the coming years," he said.

Liu Li, the Chinese director at the Confucius Institute, highlighted the institute's recent introduction of Chinese chess classes to accommodate those eager to learn the game.

Liu emphasized the significance of hosting the Chinese chess competition at USJ, fostering communication and understanding between Lebanese and Chinese individuals, building new friendships, and promoting a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture.

Nisrine Abdel Nour Lattouf, the Lebanese director at the Confucius Institute, noted the rising enthusiasm for Chinese chess in Lebanon and ongoing efforts to develop it further. She stated, "Many are intrigued by Chinese culture for its richness, uniqueness, and the new perspectives it opens."

Participants compete during the first Confucius Institute Chinese chess championship in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Participants compete during the first Confucius Institute Chinese chess championship in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Zongya)

Participants compete during the first Confucius Institute Chinese chess championship in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Zongya)

Participants compete during the first Confucius Institute Chinese chess championship in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Zongya)

Participants compete during the first Confucius Institute Chinese chess championship in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Participants compete during the first Confucius Institute Chinese chess championship in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)