The Chinese Embassy in Argentina Saturday hosted its first Chinese singing competition here, in a bid to stimulate local interest in Chinese culture.

Eighty people have competed in previous rounds of the match that have been supported by the Chinese Ministry of Education. Thirteen of them have made it to the final, which will be held on Sept 10 in a famous theater known for its tango shows in Buenos Aires.

Yang Chuanying, the embassy's cultural attache, said the event was held to deepen understanding of Chinese music and language among the Argentine people and develop mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.

"We are very happy and satisfied with the wide participation of contestants coming from various provinces," said Yang.