?"2007 Experience China in Mexico", a festival on Chinese
culture was launched on Wednesday in celebration of the 35th
anniversary of Mexico-China diplomatic ties.
Chinese artists, including disabled performers, Kung Fu masters
and renowned singers and dancers, presented traditional dance,
music, shadow puppet theatre, contemporary dance and a show of
modern ceramics, bringing a fantastic show to the City Theater of
Mexico City. There will also be four exhibitions showing
traditional Chinese cultural treasures as well as development and
achievement in today's China.
"Experience China has been held in 18 countries since 1999. It's
held in Mexico this year because of the similarity between the two
countries, the long histories and civilizations", said Li Bing,
vice director of China's State Department News Office, "China seeks
to strengthen friendship and cooperation with Mexico, and that is
why cultural exchanges are important."
China-Mexico relations, which have witnessed sound development
since the two countries established diplomatic ties 35 years ago,
ushered in a new stage of all-round development in 2003 when the
two countries established a strategic partnership. China's
participation in the festival shows the importance the Chinese
government attaches to the festival, and the excellent relationship
the two nations are in.
"Thanks to these cultural events, Mexicans will have the
opportunity to get to know China's daily life and traditions,"
Elena Cepeda de Leon, Mexico City's culture secretary, told a press
conference.
"These groups represent the best of Chinese arts," said Yan
Zhonghua, director general of China's International Communication
Center.
The program, which runs to Aug. 18, is also a part of an
eight-year program that boosts China-Mexico cultural exchanges.
During the festival, China donated 200 books on China's history,
economy and culture to Mexico City's city library.
Mexico has become one of China's most important trading partners
and investment destinations in Latin America. Political mutual
trust between the two countries has been strengthened along with an
expansion of exchanges and cooperation in various fields, the two
countries are supporting each other and cooperating closely in
international and regional affairs.
Similar events on Chinese culture have been staged across 21
nations and have promoted better understanding of China across the
world.
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(Chinaculture.org August 2, 2007)
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