Deputy Secretary-General Zhang Yangbin Attends and Delivers a Speech at the 2024 Sichuan Belt and Road International People-to-People Friendship Organizations’ Meeting
On October 14, the 2024 Sichuan Belt and Road International People-to-People Friendship Organizations' Meeting?opened?in Chengdu, the?capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province. The event, themed "Sharing New Opportunities for Cooperation, Writing a New Chapter for the Belt and Road," gathered distinguished participants. Zhang Yangbin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries?(CPAFFC), attended and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. Also present were Zhu Chunxiu, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the 14th Sichuan Provincial People's Congress, other Sichuan provincial leaders, and?nearly 50 foreign guests, including leaders?of 16 friendship organizations and business representatives from 13 countries/regions.In his speech, Zhang Yangbin highlighted the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative?(BRI), which was proposed by President Xi Jinping in response to global changes, the demands of the times, and the trajectory of history. Centered on the shared aspirations of people worldwide for peace and development, the BRI embodies a Chinese approach to achieving shared prosperity and development through Eastern wisdom. Over the past 11 years, the BRI has injected new momentum into global?economic growth, created?new opportunities for?global?development, and established a new platform for international economic cooperation. It has evolved into a widely embraced international public goods, delivering tangible benefits to the people of countries and regions along?its?route.Zhang emphasized that at present, the Belt and Road cooperation has entered a new phase of high-quality development. He expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to leverage the unique strengths of?people-to-people diplomacy, deepen cultural exchanges, enhance practical cooperation, promote green development, and foster youth exchanges. These efforts aim to contribute wisdom and strength toward?building a more prosperous, open and inclusive world.
President of the China-ASEAN Association Gu Xiulian Meets with Bruneian Princess Hajah Masna
On October 12, Gu Xiulian, President of the China-ASEAN Association?and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 10th National People's Congress of China, met with a delegation led by Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, in Beijing. The delegation was invited to visit the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). Also attending the meeting were Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC,?Pengiran Norhashimah binti Pengiran Mohd Hassan, Permanent Secretary?at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam,?and?Pehin Dato Haji Abdu'r Rahmani bin Dato Haji Basir, Bruneian Ambassador to China.Gu Xiulian warmly welcomed Princess Hajah Masna?and her delegation to the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of the CPAFFC. She?commended Princess Masna for her significant and enduring contributions to fostering China-Brunei relations and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Gu?noted?that last year's meeting between President Xi Jinping and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah?in San Francisco,?the United States, had?provided critical strategic guidance for the future development?of the relations of the two countries. She expressed China's readiness to work closely with Brunei?to implement the key consensuses reached by?the two heads of state. This includes deepening friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as youth engagement, think tank collaboration, cultural exchanges, and subnational partnerships, thereby contributing to stronger ties between the two nations.Princess Hajah Masna expressed her gratitude for the warm invitation and meticulous arrangements by the Chinese side. She extended her heartfelt congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC. Highlighting the longstanding friendship between Brunei and China, she acknowledged the fruitful achievements in various fields, including economy, trade, culture and subnational cooperation. Underscoring that people-to-people friendship?is?the cornerstone of interstate relations, she reaffirmed Brunei's commitment to work closely with the Chinese side to strengthen people-to-people friendship?and exchanges?between the two countries to advance bilateral relations.
Leveraging the Unique Role of People-to-People Diplomacy to Jointly Build a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind
Former political leaders, members of royal families, and heads of international friendship organizations gathered in autumnal Beijing, along with many old friends of the Chinese people, to exchange friendship and explore cooperation, creating a grand and lively scene.On the morning of October 11, President Xi Jinping met with foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. In his keynote remarks, President Xi highly praised the significance of people-to-people friendship in promoting world peace and development. He offered an in-depth explanation of China’s stance on the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy, the deepening of friendly relations between China and foreign countries, and the drive to build a community with a shared future for mankind.President Xi’s remarks resonated deeply among the attendees, both Chinese and international. They agreed that his vision holds great importance and far-reaching implications for the common pursuit of a better world. It will inspire individuals across various sectors to continuously contribute their wisdom and efforts toward advancing people-to-people exchanges between China and the world on this new journey.People-to-People Friendship?is the Foundation for Steady International RelationsThe approximately 200 foreign guests who met with President Xi all have deep ties with China. This time, they traveled across vast distances to attend the event for the noble cause of friendship and to support the great endeavor of people-to-people exchanges. President Xi expressed his deep appreciation for their long-standing dedication to fostering friendly relations with China.He emphasized that people-to-people friendship is the foundation for steady and enduring international relations, a driving force for world peace and development. Reflecting on China’s progress, he highlighted that none of these achievements would have been possible without the support of people from around the world. With heartfelt emotion, President Xi remarked, “We will always remember the important contributions you have made to China and the sincere friendship you have shared with the Chinese people”.Former?Nigeria?President?Olusegun?Obasanjo attentively listened to President Xi’s address during the meeting. He said, “As a former head of state and government, I understand the importance of people-to-people relations. They are not merely an extension of official diplomacy but are a vital force driving international cooperation”.The continuity of friendship across generations and nations. Over the past 75 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the nation has gained many steadfast friends who have stood in solidarity with the Chinese people. During the anniversary events, many?guests shared their personal experiences and insights on dedicating themselves to the cause of friendly relations with China.“Connectivity between peoples is the foundation of relations between nations, a principle that President Xi has consistently upheld. Friendly exchanges among people are the cornerstone of peace and cooperation”, said Former President of Guillermo Lasso, who previously attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. “Although our two countries are geographically distant, as long as we learn from each other and jointly seek the well-being of our people, there is great potential for cooperation.”This visit marked the 132nd?trip to China for Marcelo?Mu?oz, Honorary Chairman of the “Know China Lecture Hall”?(Zhihua Jiangtang)?in Spain. “Since my first visit to China in 1978, I have been astounded by the rapid progress here. This has driven me to study China extensively and to write about it,”?he said with great enthusiasm. “To date, I have published four books about China and written many?articles in major media outlets, introducing the evolving and dynamic China to the Western world.”Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind?is?The Future for All NationsAmid the changing world order, the destinies of all nations are intertwined. President Xi proposed three key points during the meeting: fostering broad consensus with the spirit of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale”, uniting strong forces through the principle of win-win cooperation, and promoting cultural exchanges with an open and inclusive mindset to create a shared future.“President Xi has systematically elaborated on building a community with a shared future for mankind, showing us how to strive for a better world”, said Bertie Ahern, Former Prime Minister of Ireland and Co-chair of the InterAction Council. He remarked that China’s rise, from its economic achievements to its active contributions in international affairs, has infused new momentum into global peace and development. By embracing the principle of win-win cooperation and driving global sustainable development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and green transformation, China demonstrates its responsibility as a major global power.Abdul Majid, President of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, was deeply moved by President Xi’s concept of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale”. He noted, “The world faces many?challenges, including climate change, energy crises, geopolitical conflicts, and economic imbalances. China has put forward a series of?measures and initiatives to promote cooperation and safeguard global peace. Through dialogue, innovation, and connectivity, Malaysia and China can achieve shared prosperity”.Listening to President Xi’s speech, Tetsutaro Shimizu, Chief Representative of the Matsuyama Ballet of Japan, and its Director, Yoko Morishita, were deeply moved. They said, “Cultural integration serves as a bridge that connects hearts and has a profound impact on relations between nations and peoples. Japan and China, both situated in East Asia, share cultural similarities, and the people are familiar with concepts of harmony in diversity and mutual assistance. We hope that these common cultural foundations will further promote cooperation between our two nations”.Carrying Forward the Cause of People-to-People FriendshipDuring the group meeting, President Xi expressed his sincere hope that friends from all nations would become practitioners of a community with a shared future for mankind, participants in China’s modernization, promoters of mutual understanding, and bearers of the legacy of people-to-people friendship.In 1985, while working in Zhengding, Hebei, President Xi led a delegation to Iowa, known as the “breadbasket of America”, which fostered friendly exchanges with the local people. Luca Berrone, Board Member of the Iowa Friendship Committee, said, “For many years, President Xi has been promoting China-US people-to-people friendship. Last year, he announced that China would invite 50,000 American youths to study and exchange in China over the next five years. In the past eight months, more than 200 children from Iowa have visited China, and it has been an immensely rewarding experience for them”.In 1992, while serving in Fujian, President Xi invited the late American Professor Gardner’s wife to visit Kuliang, fulfilling Gardner’s wish to return to the place he loved. Meeting President Xi on this occasion, Mu Yanling, the organizer of the American “Kuliang Friends”?who has long been committed to promoting China-US people-to-people friendship, said, “The history of Kuliang teaches us that people from different countries and cultural backgrounds can forge friendships that endure across generations. We must plant the seeds of friendship in people’s hearts, allowing them to blossom and bear fruit”.Former President of the Thai Parliament, Bhokin Bhalakula, noted, “In recent years, students from Thailand and China have studied in each other’s countries, strengthening our bonds of friendship. China’s initiatives have further connected Thailand with the world and supported Thailand’s economic development. Moving forward, we will focus on trade, cultural arts, and youth exchanges to foster mutual understanding and enhance connectivity between peoples. We must demonstrate to the world that people-to-people diplomacy is not just a concept; it is a powerful force that can unite nations”.Yang Wanming, President of CPAFFC, concluded, “The 70-year history of CPAFFC fully demonstrates the vital role of people-to-people friendship in promoting world peace and development, as well as the significance of people-to-people diplomacy in overall national diplomacy. We will continue to walk hand in hand with friends from around the world, taking the interests of all as our own and connecting hearts, to advance the noble cause of people-to-people friendship and strive toward the lofty goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Contributing to World Peace, Development, and Prosperity
On the morning of October 11, President Xi Jinping held a group meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). President Xi stressed that amidst the unprecedented changes of the century, the destinies of all nations are interconnected, and humanity shares a common future. Building a community with a shared future for mankind is the path forward for the peoples of the world. China is committed to strengthening people-to-people exchanges with friends from all nations, leveraging the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy to jointly build this shared future.On the afternoon of October 11, the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC was held in Beijing. Themed “Deepening People-to-People Friendship and Promoting the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, the event was attended by approximately 500 participants, including leaders of international friendship organizations, global friends, and representatives from China. Participants noted that President Xi’s address has charted a clear direction for building a community with a shared future for mankind, encouraging continued strengthening of friendly exchanges and cooperation across various fields to pass on people-to-people friendship from generation to generation, contributing to world peace, development, and prosperity.Fostering Broad Consensus Through the Spirit of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale”President Xi emphasized the need to foster broad consensus on building a community with a shared future for mankind through the spirit of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale”. He called for upholding the shared?human?values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom; advocating a multi-polar world with equality and order; and promoting inclusive and mutually beneficial economic globalization, thus building a peaceful, harmonious, and cohesive global family.Former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo stated that the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind reflects China’s vision in global governance, offering a direction for win-win cooperation among nations and bringing hope for a more inclusive and harmonious global future.Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama remarked that the more complex and challenging international relations become, the greater the need for face-to-face, candid, and constructive dialogue. “President Xi’s vision of a community with a shared future for mankind provides a pathway to addressing global challenges. We must adhere to principles of mutual respect and understanding as we work to build this shared future”.Gary Deworcheck, a friend from Iowa, USA, said that the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind advocates building a better world together, showcasing China’s commitment to global unity and cooperation.Princess Masna of Brunei noted, “In today’s world, where uncertainties are increasing, and global challenges such as climate change are escalating, we must strengthen cooperation, enhance people-to-people diplomacy, and promote common development to address shared challenges”. She expressed Brunei’s desire to deepen bilateral relations with China, strengthening the bond of connectivity between peoples and building a world of mutual understanding, inclusive cooperation, and sustainable development.“President Xi Jinping’s concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind provides a common vision for the world, one that seeks to address global challenges through cooperation, peace, and development,”?stated Diego?Marcos, Executive Chairman of the Civil Association for Argentina-China Cooperation. He emphasized that people-to-people exchanges play a vital role in the realization of this vision. “I hope to continue advancing civil exchanges between Argentina and China, and to contribute as a practitioner in building this shared future.”President Xi’s spirit of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale”?resonated strongly with Zhuang Hanjie, President of the US-China?Youth?and?Student?Exchange?Association. He remarked, “China has always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit in fostering friendly relations with other countries. This approach positions China as a stabilizing force for global peace and stability, contributing significantly to global prosperity and development.”Uniting Strong Forces Through the Principle of Win-Win CooperationPresident Xi stressed that the principle of win-win cooperation should guide efforts to unite strong forces for building a community with a shared future for mankind. China does not seek modernization that benefits only itself. It welcomes more foreign friends to participate in the process of China’s modernization, providing new opportunities for global development through China’s achievements, fostering peace, development, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity worldwide, bringing greater benefits to people of all countries.Former?Irish?Prime?Minister?Bertie?Ahern stated that China’s commitment to win-win cooperation, through initiatives like high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, has consistently contributed to sustainable global development, reflecting China’s responsibility as a major nation. “People-to-people diplomacy not only brings countries closer but also plants seeds of friendship and cooperation in the hearts of people around the world”, Ahern said.Ali Youssouf, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab-Chinese Friendship Societies, noted that the 20th CPC Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session outlined a blueprint for deepening reforms and advancing China’s modernization. This will not only drive China’s socioeconomic development but also contribute to addressing global challenges and promoting shared prosperity. He further emphasized that China’s Belt and Road Initiative promotes infrastructure connectivity and strengthens economic ties among nations, making it a popular global public good and cooperation platform.Former Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso remarked, “China’s continued openness will create more opportunities for multinational enterprises and open new horizons for cooperation among developing countries”.?He also emphasized that President Xi’s proposals, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the three global initiatives, provide new pathways for enhancing global governance, revitalizing multilateralism, and promoting cooperation among developing nations.Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Mizengo Peter Pinda expressed strong support for China’s three global initiatives. “Tanzania is willing to work with China to build a community with a shared future for mankind, creating a brighter future for humanity”.Galo Enrique Pereira, a representative of the Brazil-China Friendship Association, observed that adhering to the principle of win-win cooperation for mutual benefit and practicing the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind will inject strong impetus into global modernization and prosperity, bringing more benefits to people worldwide.Vice President of the Japan-China Friendship Association Okazaki Yutaka?stated that the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind provides a framework for building a peaceful world. “China has made significant contributions to global peace, economic growth, and development. Welcoming more foreign friends to participate in China’s modernization will help enhance cooperation between countries and promote common prosperity.”Former Speaker?of?the?New?Zealand?House?of?Representatives,?David?Carter remarked, “The achievements China has made over the past decades are nothing short of a developmental miracle. I look forward to seeing China’s continued growth and progress.”Promoting Cultural Exchanges with an Open and Inclusive MindsetPresident Xi stressed the importance of promoting cultural exchanges with an open and inclusive mindset to build a civilization that supports the community with a shared future for mankind. The Chinese people have always been open and inclusive, kind, and friendly. China is willing to work with all parties to practice the Global Civilization Initiative, fostering understanding, deepening friendships, and using cultural exchanges to overcome barriers and transcend conflicts.Former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Korn Dabbaransi, praised China for consistently upholding the principles of openness and inclusiveness in deepening its friendship with people worldwide, while promoting global peace and prosperity. He emphasized,?“Thailand highly appreciates President Xi’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative. We will continue to foster friendly exchanges with China under the spirit of ‘Thailand-China Family Ties’, carrying forward the friendship between our peoples and contributing to world peace.”Aurel?Papari, Chairman of the Romania-China Friendship Association, shared, “Listening to President Xi’s insightful speech on building a community with a shared future for mankind was truly inspiring. It is about creating a better world and building bridges of communication between hearts and minds”.Siafa?G.?Sheriff, President?of?the?Liberia-China?Friendship?Organization?(LICFO), who studied in China in 2004, spoke of the deep friendship between the peoples of Liberia and China, which shaped his understanding of people-to-people diplomacy. After returning home, he founded the LICFO. “China shares its experiences in agricultural modernization with an open and inclusive mindset, bringing new opportunities to Liberia. We will continue to work towards enhancing connections between our peoples and promoting connectivity.”Robert?Sanborn,?former?chairperson?of US-China?Peoples?Friendship?Association?(USCPFA), remarked, “I have visited China many times and have seen continuous improvement in its ecological environment, vibrant technological innovation, and remarkable achievements in Chinese modernization. During this period, I have also built deep friendships with the Chinese people”. He added that the friendly ties between the people of China and the US continue to grow, fostering greater stability and positive energy for the world.Mohamed Rasheed, Chairman of the China-Maldivian Cultural Association (CMCA), noted, “Cultural exchanges and mutual learning are vital to promoting world peace and development. Increasing mutual understanding and fostering dialogue are the foundations for building a peaceful, harmonious, and cohesive global community”. He highlighted the growing enthusiasm among Maldivian youth for learning Chinese and studying in China, which facilitates genuine communication, drives cultural exchange, and deepens mutual understanding and friendship.
The 17th Meeting of the China-Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange Forum Held in Fuzhou, Jiangxi
On September 26, the 17th Meeting of the China-Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange Forum was held in Fuzhou, Jiangxi Province. The event was co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Foundation for Cultural Heritage and Art Research(Japan), and the Korea-Japan Cultural Exchange Council. Yuan Mindao, Vice President of CPAFFC, attended and delivered a speech. The forum was also attended by Chen Xiaoping, Member of the Party Leadership Group of the People’s Government of Jiangxi Province; Wei Xiaokui, Secretary of the Fuzhou Municipal Committee of the CPC; Sawa Kazuki, President?of the Foundation for Cultural Heritage and Art Research(Japan); Chung Kuchong, Chairman of the Korea-Japan Cultural Exchange Council; LEE Heesup, Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS); representatives from the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Wuhan, as well as representatives from relevant organizations in Jiangxi Province and Fuzhou City, totaling over 90 participants.In his opening remarks, Chen Xiaoping expressed hope that the forum would provide an opportunity for attendees to gain a comprehensive understanding of Jiangxi, explore the “Jiangxi opportunities”, and share the “Jiangxi dividends”. He emphasized the importance of connecting with and integrating into Northeast Asia’s regional development, continuously strengthening the friendship between Jiangxi and the people of Japan and South Korea, and promoting broader, higher-level, and more extensive exchanges and cooperation with both nations.Yuan Mindao noted that China, Japan, and Korea are geographically close and share strong cultural ties. At the China-Japan-South Korea Leaders’?Meeting in May this year, it was agreed that 2025-2026 would be designated as the China-Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange Year. The three nations should leverage culture as a medium to enhance understanding, build consensus, and foster cooperation, working together to safeguard and build a shared East Asian home and to create an East Asian community with a shared future. He stressed the importance of continued people-to-people cooperation among the three countries, emphasizing that cultural and artistic exchanges should continuously convey positive energy and solidify the foundations of mutual respect, trust, and friendly cooperation.Sawa Kazuki?emphasized that holding the China-Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange Forum with a focus on drama, through the medium of musical and artistic exchanges, has not only deepened mutual understanding and promoted cooperation but also strengthened cultural identity and closeness among the three nations. He underscored the forum’s significance in fostering future collaboration among the three countries.Chung Kuchong?highlighted that while the cultures of Korea, China, and Japan share similarities, each has its own unique stories and characteristics. He called for proactive collaboration among the three nations to protect and preserve their rich cultural heritage, explore new areas of exchange, and enhance cultural dialogue. Such efforts, he noted, would contribute to advancing the trilateral friendly relations and regional peace and stability.During the forum, experts from China, Japan, and Korea shared their views under the theme “Drama Unites East Asia, Shining Across the World”. Professor Huang Bikang from Peking University delivered a keynote speech titled “Resonance of Classics: Rebirth of Tang Xianzu’s ‘The Four Dreams of Linchuan’?in the English-Speaking World”. Additionally, artists from the three nations gave live performances featuring traditional dramas, including The Peony Pavilion, kabuki, and pansori, each showcasing their respective cultural uniqueness. Children from Fuzhou’s Second Experimental School sang the forum’s theme song, “We Are the Future”, in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.?During their visit, representatives from Japan and Korea toured cultural sites such as the Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall, the China Theatre Museum, and the Wang Anshi Memorial Hall in Fuzhou. They also attended the opening ceremony of the 2024 Tang Xianzu Drama Festival & International Drama Exchange Month.The China-Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange Forum, a mechanism for exchange initiated by CPAFFC in collaboration with related organizations from Japan and Korea, has been successfully held 17 times since its inception in 2005.
The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Tang Xianzu Drama Festival & International Drama Exchange Month Successfully Held
On September 26, the 2024 Tang Xianzu Drama Festival & International Drama Exchange Month, co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the People’s Government of Jiangxi Province, and the China Theatre Association, was grandly inaugurated in Fuzhou, Jiangxi Province.The opening ceremony was attended by Qi Xuchun, Vice Chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Speeches were delivered by Lu Xiaoqing, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee and Head of the Publicity Department; Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Chen Yongquan, Secretary of the Party Subgroup and Executive Vice Chairman of the China Theatre Association; Wei Xiaokui, Secretary of the Fuzhou Municipal Committee of the CPC; and Sarah Mann, British Consul General in Guangzhou. Other distinguished guests included Alfred Chirilo, Zambian Minister to China; Laurent Cuénoud, French Deputy Consul General in Wuhan; Constance Mulela, Mayor of Livingstone, Zambia; Dina Namubisi, Mayor of Swakopmund, Namibia; Isabel Maldonado, Deputy Mayor of Alcalá, Spain; and a Youth Delegation from the Eastern Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Over 300 guests from China and abroad attended the ceremony. The event was presided over by Wan Guangming, Vice Governor of Jiangxi Province.Yuan Mindao remarked that the Tang Xianzu Drama Festival & International Drama Exchange Month has become a significant platform for promoting cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world. It has also strengthened friendly exchanges between Tang Xianzu’s hometown, Fuzhou, and Stratford, the birthplace of Shakespeare. Yuan highlighted that art knows no borders, and culture brings shared understanding, expressing hope that the event will serve as a bridge for dialogue through drama, showcasing China’s sincere commitment and practical approach to fostering cultural exchange and cooperation worldwide.Lu Xiaoqing stated that Jiangxi Province will continue to enhance the cultural brand of the “Tang Xianzu Drama Festival & International Drama Exchange Month”. By adhering to principles of integrity and innovation, Jiangxi aims to creatively transform and develop China’s excellent traditional cultural elements, ensuring that Chinese culture resonates globally.Sarah Mann emphasized that literature and drama are integral parts of the deep relationship between China and the UK. Shakespeare and Tang Xianzu, the most famous poets of the two?countries, lived during the same era, and their parallel lives have fostered a bond between Stratford and Fuzhou, establishing a bridge for cultural exchange between the two nations.During the opening ceremony, artistic troupes from the UK, Spain, and other countries, along with domestic performers, presented a captivating cultural performance that seamlessly blended elements of Eastern and Western art. The 2024 Drama Exchange Month, running from September 26 to the end of October, features eight main events, including the National Theatre Carnival, the Multi-City Classic Theatre Invitation Exhibition, and the third national “Fragrant Tea of China”?Tea-Picking Opera Performance.
