On February 24, 2018, Henan: Home of Chinese Culture—2018 Hong Kong Happy Spring New Year Temple Fair was grandly opened in Kowloon Park in Hong Kong.

On February 18, 2018, Home of Panda: Beautiful Sichuan—The Eighth Cross-Straits Spring Festival Folk Temple Fair was grandly opened at the Nantou County Convention and Exhibition Center in Taiwan. On February 2, 2018, Universal Celebrations—the People of China and the Philippines jointly welcome the New Year was held at the Commercial Center in Clarke, the Philippines.

On February 22, 2018, the celebration of 2018 EU-China Tourism Year—Chinese Lanterns Light up the heart of Europe was successfully held in the Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium. Contents

Express News

FOCUS 04 President Li Xiaolin meets with Cambodian group /Wang Bo

04 Vice-President Xie Yuan meets granddaughter of General Chennault /Jin

Hanghang

05 Vice-President Hu Sishe attends premiere of documentary film, TCM

promotion tour /Yu Xiaodong

05 20th anniversary of China-South Africa diplomatic ties /Zhang Yujun

06 China-Japan friendship concert held in Beijing /Liu Mengyan 04 06 President Li Xiaolin and Secretary-General Li Xikui attend signing

ceremony /Jia Ji

07 International sister city exchanges exhibition /Chengdu Friendship

Association

07 The Belt and Road: 2018 Walk into Nepal photography competition /

Chengdu Friendship Association 21

View

08 Kimiyo Matsuzaki, witness of ping-pong diplomacy between China and Japan

/He Yan

12 The legendary life of He Lianxiang, goodwill messenger of Peru-China 36 friendship /Tang Mingxin

14 Sino-US nongovernmental exchanges continue /Yang Jun

17 Never forget old friends while making new ones /Fan Lily

18 A visit to Bukhara /Wen Guangmei

44

2 NO.191 March 2018 Interview

21 Interview with Bayney Karran, Guyana’s ambassador to China /Staff reporter

Forum and Exhibition

25 Uncle Hanzi in China /Mu Yu

28 China’s people-centered development /Jinith de Silva

30 Chinese breeze blows over the Rhine /Sun Yajing Published in Chinese and All the way to the west /Liu Jiayun 32 English Front Cover: On Jan 5, 2018, Crested Ibis, a dance drama Cultural Exchanges produced jointly by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and 34 Mystery of Terracotta Warriors attracts Romanian TV viewers /Luo Dongquan the publicity department of 36 Linking past and present through fashion and art /Yu Xiaodong the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee and performed by the 37 For Greece-China friendship /Wang Runke Shanghai Dance Theatre, presented 38 Chinese lanterns light up winter town in France /Kang Jingyuan its first performance in the United States at the David Hoek Theater in the Lincoln Center in New York.

Bewteen Friendship Cities Sponsored and published by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries 39 From where we started /Huang Yajing

41 Three Kingdoms culture boosts Xuchang’s cooperation with international sister cities Editor-in-Chief: Gao Weimin /Yang Junge Address: 1 Taijichang St., Beijing, 42 Bridge people and inherit friendship /Wang Hui 100740, China 44 Giving full play to the advantages of sister city ties /Wang Tao Fax: (010) 65122782 47 A story of friendship between Kaifeng and Omsk /Zhao Shufen E-mail: [email protected]

http://www.cpaffc.org.cn http://www.qikan.com I S S N 1 0 0 0 - 9 5 8 2 C N 1 1 - 1 2 3 4 / D

3 Express News

President Li Xiaolin meets with Cambodian group

Wang Bo

n Jan17, Li Xiaolin, president of the CPAFFC, met in Beijing with O a delegation of the Cambodia-Hefei Friendship Association led by President Ouk Socheth. Li extended a warm welcome to Ouk, noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Chi- na and Cambodia. She expressed hope that the two sides will strengthen their ties, continue to promote effective cooperation and lay a solid founda- tion of public support between the two countries at the nongovernmental and local government level under the Belt and Road framework.

Vice-President Xie Yuan meets granddaughter of General Chennault

Jin Hanghang

n Jan 22, Xie Yuan, vice-president of the CPAFFC, met with Gen- O eral Claire Lee Chennault’s granddaughter Nell Calloway, CEO of Chennault Aviation and Military Museum and CEO of Chennault Flying Tigers Academy. Chennault, a US major general, was best known for his leadership of the Flying Tigers unit in China from 1942 to 1945. Xie welcomed Calloway and her delegation, speaking highly of her continuous efforts in carrying on the Flying Tiger spirit, pushing forward China-US relations and commemorating the comradeship of China and the United States in fighting the fascist forces in World War II. He said the CPAFFC would always support the Chennault family and wished the Flying Tigers Academy smooth and successful cooperation with its Chi- nese counterparts.

4 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018

Vice-President Hu Sishe attends premiere of documentary film, TCM promotion tour

Yu Xiaodong

major documentary film—Traditional Chinese Medicine, New Sto- A ries—has been released to promote traditional Chinese medicine around the world. The film, which was created by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Central Newsreel and Documentary Film Studio and the Beijing Eleven Culture Develop- ment Co, is part of a planned international touring exhibition of TCM culture. A ceremony was held at the conference hall of the CPAFFC on Jan 30 to mark the premiere of the film and the launch of the tour. Among the attendees at the ceremony were Hu Sishe, vice-president of the CPAFFC; Zhang Haitao, president of the China Broadcasting Film and Television Association; Yang Longhui, vice-president of the Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Wang Heshan, secretary-general of the Zhongyou International Arts Communication Association. 20th anniversary of China-South Africa diplomatic ties

Zhang Yujun

reception celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment A of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa was held in Beijing on Jan18, co-hosted by the CPAFFC and the South African embassy. In attendance were Qiangba Puncog, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress; Abdul’ahat Abdurixit, former vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and president of the Chinese-African People’s Friendship Association; Tian Xuejun, vice-minister of education; Major General Shen Youqing of the logistical support department of the Central Military Commission; Lin Yi, vice-president of the CPAFFC; Chen Xiaodong, assistant minister of foreign affairs; Dolana Msimang, South African ambassador to China; and 300 other guests from all walks of life.

5 Express News

China-Japan friendship concert held in Beijing

Liu Mengyan

o commemorate the 40th anniversary of the conclusion of the T Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan, the annual China-Japan Friendship New Year Concert was present- ed by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Japan Friendship Association at Beijing’s Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on Jan 14. Tang Jiaxuan, presi- dent of the CJFA; Song Jingwu, vice-president of the CPAFFC; Japanese Ambassador Yokoyi Yutaka and his wife; and Hirotaka Kawai, general manager of Kawai Musical Instruments Manufac- turing Co, attended the concert.

President Li Xiaolin and Secretary-General Li Xikui attend signing ceremony Jia Ji

ceremony was held in Beijing on Jan 19 to mark the signing of A the agreement for China Isotope & Radiation Corp (CIRC) and MASEP Medical Science Technology Development (Shenzhen) Co to donate a gamma knife to the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development. Attending were Li Xiaolin, president of the CPAFFC and honorary president of the foundation; Cao Shudong, deputy general manager of China National Nuclear Corp; Li Xikui, secretary-general of the CPAFFC and director of the foundation; Meng Yanbin, chairman of CIRC; Xu Tao, chairman of MASEP Medical Science Technology Development (Shenzhen) Co; Ge Wei, chairman and president of China Fortune Media Group, who is also secretary of the company’s CPC committee; and other leaders. The gamma knife is a large, high-tech piece of medical equipment de- veloped by Chinese scientists with independent intellectual property rights.

6 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018

International sister city exchanges exhibition

Chengdu Friendship Association

n the evening of Dec 29, 2017, A Close Friend from Afar O Brings Distant Land Near: Chengdu International Sister City Exchanges Exhibition opened at the Chengdu Museum. The unique Tulip Chair from the Netherlands, the exquisite Sousse Tin Olive Branch from Tunisia, the delicate Drum from Gimcheon, Republic of Korea, the indigenous Waka Bowl from New Zealand, the mysterious Talisman Pendant from Canada and many other gifts from Chengdu’s international sister cities were put on display. Symbolizing the precious friendship between the people of Chengdu and its international sister cities, the 200 exhibits from 56 countries highlight the rich ethnic characteristics and superb traditional craftsmanship of the foreign cities, while reflecting the international exchanges of Chengdu over the past 36 years. The Belt and Road: 2018 Walk into Nepal photography competition Chengdu Friendship Association

n Dec 17, 2017, a photo exhibition featuring tourism in Nepal O was held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, marking the first anniversary of the city’s establishment of its sister-city relationship with Kathmandu with the launch of a photography contest—The Belt and Road: 2018 Walk into Nepal photography competition.The competition was sponsored by the Nepal Tourism Board, with support from the Chengdu Municipal Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and the embassy of Nepal in Beijing. In a speech delivered at the ceremony, which was held at the Wide and Narrow Alley Gallery in Chengdu, Ambassador Leela Mani Paudyal noted that Nepal is a world-class tourism destination, and his government hopes that cultural exchanges in various forms, such as the photo contest, would help promote economic development in both countries.

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Kimiyo Matsuzaki, witness of ping-pong diplomacy between China and Japan

He Yan

f the resumption of diplomatic I was moved when Matsuzaki with guests present at the reception. I ties between China and the United recollected in plain words her moments As she marveled at the Chinese States by way of ping-pong diplomacy with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. In premier’s charisma, Zhou greeted her is described as “earth-shattering and March 1961, the 26th World Table Ten- with a firm handshake, looking straight heaven-battering”, then the process of nis Championship was held in Beijing. into her eyes. forging a profound friendship between It was the first time for China to host a Though it received a warm and China and Japan through ping-pong major international sports event since friendly reception during the banquet, can be said to be gentle and gradual. the founding of the People’s Republic. the Japanese team felt isolated in the From Goto Koji to Koji Kimura, from Matsuzaki, as one of the Japanese play- games. The matches of the champion- Kimiyo Matsuzaki to Ai Fukuhara, the ers, was paying her first visit to China. ships were held at Workers’ Stadium in gentle stream of the friendship between The welcome banquet was held Beijing, where the spectators scarcely the Chinese and Japanese peoples has in the evening at the Great Hall of the applauded the Japanese paddlers. flowed for more than six decades. People in Beijing one day before the Though young, Matsuzaki understood opening ceremony of the champion- the frigidity, for she knew that the The gift Maotai ships. While the athletes and team offi- Chinese people were still agonized by Kimiyo Matsuzaki was a great cials were waiting in the lounge, a sud- memories of the Japanese aggression in success as a ping-pong player in the den hush fell over the entrance and the the past and usually bristled at the word late 1950s and early 1960s. She took premier, with rosy cheeks and in high “Japanese”. part in the World Table Tennis Champi- spirits, appeared in the spotlight. Facing the invisible pressure onships three times and won the world Zhou shook hands all around posed by the unfriendly atmosphere, championship seven times in different and walked toward the Japanese team. she told herself to remain calm and events. She was also the first female Konichiwa! the premier greeted them concentrate on the competition. ping-pong player to win a grand slam in standard Japanese. He continued in The Chinese team made remark- in Asia. Chinese: “How is my pronunciation?” able progress compared with their In September 2017, Matsuzaki The Japanese journalists praised him: performance two years before and be- attended the activity marking the 45th “Your Excellency’s Japanese is per- came a strong competitor to topple the anniversary of the normalization of fect.” He replied, “Thank you, but I Japanese team, which had remained China-Japan relations in Beijing. On forgot a lot.” The premier stood there the reigning champion for years in the the morning of Sept 6, I met her—a to chat with the Japanese players and world table tennis arena. Finally, the lively small woman with an even tem- was amiable throughout the dialogue, Chinese team won the men’s team title perament and pleasant manners. which was the longest of all his chats and the men’s and women’s singles,

8 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018 while the Japanese team won the wom- At the time, China was experiencing ing in the lobby, holding the bottle of en’s team title, the men’s doubles and a serious shortage of food as a result Maotai wrapped up with a red ribbon. the mixed doubles. of the Great Famine (1959-61). With a Receiving the gift, she was too excited In the 25th World Table Tennis glance, Matsuzaki could see that long- to fall asleep that night. Championships, Matsuzaki won the time wear had frayed the premier’s Paternal concern women’s singles title and rose to in- shirt cuffs inside his Chinese suit. Real- ternational notice. In the 26th champi- izing that he lived an austere life to tide During the 26th World Table Ten- onships, she was on the list of seeded over the difficulty together with the nis Championships, China and Japan players. However, she was off her people, she felt some affinity for him. agreed to new exchanges. In the sum- game and lost in the semifinals. In the Zhou put down his chopsticks and mer of 1962, the first China-Japan match against Eva Koczian, a Hungari- said, “Please feel free to eat while I Table Tennis Friendly Tournament an player, she was expected to win 3-0, speak.” He then went to the podium to was held in Beijing. Matsuzaki, as part but eventually lost1-3. give a 40-minute address, during which of the Japanese team, came to China At the beginning of the match, he praised Matsuzaki: “I watched Miss again, and the Japanese team was soon Matsuzaki took the lead. But every Matsuzaki’s game on TV when I was received by Premier Zhou. time her opponent scored, the applause on a business trip outside Beijing. Your Matsuzaki, lost in the happiness and cheers raised the roof. On the con- performance was deeply impressive of meeting Zhou again, thought the trary, when she gained a point, a groan to the Chinese people. It seemed you premier must have numerous foreign of disappointment would come from lost the game, but actually you won. guests to meet and it was unlikely the 15,000-strong audience. The Chinese athletes should learn from that he could remember an ordinary Though the atmosphere added you—your perseverance and smiles in table tennis player. Just then Zhou ap- stress and worry, she tried to calm front of a failure that seemed to be un- proached her and asked, “How are your down and take it easy. She did her best avoidable.” parents?” In a panic she replied: “It was to concentrate on the game regardless He added: “The 2,000 years of a great honor for my parents to receive of the noises, but it seemed hard for friendship between the Chinese and the gift of Maotai from Your Excel- her to prevent the game turning against Japanese peoples are as lofty as Mount lency. They were very grateful, saying her as she had nearly exhausted her Fuji. And I firmly believe that the that the wine was mellow and tasted strength. friendship will run endlessly like the wonderful.” Just when she realized she was Yangtaze River.” Spellbound by his re- The premier said, smiling: “Since going to lose, she felt a subtle change marks, the Japanese players almost for- they like it, I will send them a few in the atmosphere. Toward the end, the got to eat. more bottles.” Matsuzaki was greatly audience cheered her on for her tenac- As the banquet drew to its end, moved. ity. Obviously the Chinese audience Zhou asked Matsuzaki, “May I ask if On a later occasion, she recalled felt sorry for the unexpected loss of an your father loves drinking?” She re- what she though at the moment: “My outstanding Japanese player. After the plied, “Very much. He drinks two small parents are complete strangers to Pre- game, she went smiling to shake hands cups every night.” Zhou then extended mier Zhou. How amazing and moving with Koczian. The Chinese audience an offer: “I have a bottle of Maotai that he should be so concerned about applauded her heartily. She perceived a produced before 1949, which is now them!” change in the Chinese people’s attitude scarcely seen in the market. You can Matsuzaki later heard that the pre- toward the Japanese players. take it home as my gift for him.” He mier once speculated that she might be A day before the Japanese team had apparently learned that Matsuzaki’s a farmer’s child, given the tenacity she left for Shanghai, a farewell dinner was father worked in the winery business. demonstrated in sports. Sure enough, held at the Beijing Hotel. Matsuzaki When she returned to the hotel at her parents were both born to farmers’ was seated next to Premier Zhou Enlai. midnight, Zhou’s secretary was wait- families in a mountainous area and led

9 View hard lives in childhood. She had never Before the meal, Zhou presented tournaments in Asia. thought about it before. Now, with the a gift wrapped with a red ribbon to Among the delegates to the premier’s words, she suddenly under- Matsuzaki, saying: “A gift for your congress were 10 retired Japanese stood why he had shown such concern forthcoming wedding.” It was pink players, including Matsuzaki, who for her parents. silk. formed a “veterans team” to participate At the 27th World Table Ten- She was too moved to speak. The in the event. The moment the premier nis Championships held in Prague, premier said: “Please help yourselves saw her, he opened his arms and Czechoslovakia, in April 1963, Mat- to the dishes. They are cooked in my exclaimed, “Nice to meet you again, suzaki took gold in women’s singles, hometown’s style.” As he placed food my old friend.” doubles and the team event, winning on her plate, Matsuzaki could only Matsuzaki greeted Zhou in herself the grand slam. silently gaze at the premier, nodding Chinese, Nin hao, then continued, “It When the championships and smiling, with tears welling up in is so pleasing to see you in such good concluded, the Chinese embassy her eyes. health.” The premier replied, “Thank invited the Japanese team to join the Someone asked Zhou at the you. But I am getting old. You must Chinese players for a Chinese dinner. table: “No offense, Mr Premier, do have a child now.” She replied, “Not During the meal, a congratulatory you feel lonely being childless?” yet. May I say I’ve followed your telegram from Premier Zhou Enlai Zhou answered: “No, not at all. All example?” was read. Matsuzaki had often heard youngsters across China are my She blurted out the words and from Chinese players that Zhou was a children. They are successors to the instantly regretted the unwitting table tennis fan, but it was still a great socialist cause.” offensive remarks. But the premier surprise that the Chinese leader would Matsuzaki later commented: laughed heartily. send congratulations to a foreign team. “How many people can have such Since she saw him eight years She felt lucky to be a ping-pong player. a pure and open mind as Premier before, his hair had turned whiter and When she retired after the 27th Zhou’s?” wrinkles had climbed onto his lean championships, Matsuzaki thought That’s true. Dedicated to the cheeks. She recalled that Zhou readily she would have no chance to visit revolutionary cause when he was came to terms with the fact that he had China again. But thanks to the support young, Zhou devoted himself heart and no children, yet he cared deeply about of Zhou and the help of the sports soul to the liberation of the Chinese a foreigner’s family life. With the help community in China, she developed an people. Only one with a noble heart can of Zhou, Matsuzaki was treated by even more profound relationship with be so genuine a man. world-class fertility doctors in China, China. Less than two years later, the but unfortunately did not get her wish. In October 1964, the International “cultural revolution” was launched in Maotai returns Table Tennis Friendship Tournament China, halting communication between was held in Beijing. Matsuzaki was Matsuzaki and Zhou. Quite a number When the Asia-Africa-Latin invited to join the Japanese team as of friends told her: “The premier asked America Table Tennis Friendship an unofficial member. Premier Zhou after you. But I found it difficult to Tournament was held in Beijing in invited Matsuzaki, Hasegawa Kiyotaro answer him.” When she got married in the summer of 1973, the 10 retired (head of the Japan Table Tennis 1966, she asked a friend going to China Japanese players were once again Association) and Ogimura Ichiro (a to carry her wedding photos to Zhou. invited to China. Kurimoto Takao, well-known player) to his home in In August 1972, the first congress Matsuzaki’s husband, was also invited. Zhongnanhai for lunch. Also present at of the Asian Table Tennis Union was They visited Yan’an, Xi’an, Suzhou, the meal were Saionji Kinkazu and his convened in Beijing, marking the end Nanjing and Shanghai. wife, and Chen Xian, president of the of an era in which China had been It was Kurimoto Takao’s first Chinese Table Tennis Association. excluded from major table tennis visit to China. The Japanese journalist

10 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018 had expected to find problems in morning. Her hand trembled, almost people-to-people friendship. the country during the visit. On the unable to hold the receiver. It was For 50 years, the Maotai given contrary, however, he was impressed by scarcely six months since her last visit by the premier has been treasured as what he saw in China—Chinese people to China in 1975. an heirloom in the family of Kimiyo who were enthusiastic, optimistic and During that visit, her sixth, Vice- Matsuzaki. Only one-third of the confident about their future, who lived Premier Chen Xilian relayed Zhou’s and worked in peace and who were message to Matsuzaki: “Your letter liquor was consumed by her father making concerted efforts to build their of greeting has been received. Thank in gatherings with friends. Then the country. you so much. … Please stay in China bottle was sealed for good. Despite the Premier Zhou watched all the longer this time for a thorough medical passing years, the liquor inside remains matches in Beijing between the two checkup and treatment. … Hope transparent. countries’ veteran players. His secretary you will not feel lonely before your The Maotai was carried from frequently came in whispering husband comes. If you have any needs, Takase, Kagawa prefecture, to something into his ear and he had to get please let us know.” Matsuzaki’s new home in Ebisu, Tokyo. up from his seat and leave for awhile; Matsuzaki knew that the pain then he came back quietly. The agility caused by terminal cancer could be so Whenever it was festival time, she took of Zhou’s movements suggested a man acute that one could not bear to witness out the liquor, wiped the bottle and much younger than his 75 years. After it. She realized that when the premier then wrapped it up again with cotton the match, he stayed to chat with the asked Chen to forward his concern paper, cloth and waterproof oilpaper in Chinese and Japanese players until late for her, he was in the midst of severe several layers. She told her friends that at night. The players were amazed by suffering. She had known nothing of she took care of the liquor as carefully the premier’s meticulous observations his ailment and was devastated that he as one would care for a child. and accurate memory as he reeled off had passed away so soon. In March 2011, a massive details of their performances. She could not hold back the tears Zhou enthusiastically as she passed the news to her table earthquake hit Japan. She thought that commended the Japan Table Tennis tennis friends in Tokyo. At 7 am local as she was already advanced in age, Association’s role in enhancing China- time, many people were waiting in she should find a better place to keep Japan friendship and the retired front of the Chinese embassy in the icy the liquor so that the seeds of China- Japanese players’ contribution to the wind to mourn the death of the great Japan friendship sowed by Zhou Enlai normalization of diplomatic relations man. At the front of the line were well- could be passed on from generation to between the two countries. He known Japanese table tennis players, generation. expressed appreciation for the Japanese including Matsuzaki, Kimura Koji, friends’ courage in coming to China Miki Keiichi, Takahoshi Hiroshi and On April 20, 2011, she traveled for table tennis matches in the years Seki Masako. to the Guizhou Maotai Distillery from of tensions. He singled out Matsuzaki: Matsuzaki said that the death of Japan, accompanied by her friend “Please come to China regularly. I any great figure in Japan would not Qiu Zhonghui, a well-known Chinese often tell my Japanese friends that evoke the sadness she felt over Premier table tennis player of her time. At the Matsuzaki should remain on the boat of Zhou. “To honor the memory of the ceremony honoring her donation of China-Japan Friendship.” premier who so profoundly understood that bottle of Maotai, she said in tears: Matsuzaki remarked that that was Japan and so dearly cared for me, I “This precious bottle … carrying the the highest praise she had received will do more to promote the friendship from Premier Zhou. On Jan 9, 1976, between Japan and China,” she said. admiration of my family for Premier she was informed by telephone that Later on, she traveled frequently Zhou, finally comes back to its the premier had died of cancer that between the two countries to advance hometown.”

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The legendary life of He Lianxiang, goodwill messenger of Peru-China friendship

Tang Mingxin

he award ceremony Light of Opponent of Japanese invaders of the national government, wrote an inscription for overseas Chinese T China—Chinese Cultural He Lianxiang was born in Lima, organizations in Peru: “Six thousand Communication Person of the Year— Peru in 1926. She grew up under her compatriots in Peru raised 2 million was held on Dec 15, 2017. It was parents’ instruction in patriotism. When hosted by the State Council Information Japan launched its attacks against Peruvian soles ($1 million). They set a Office, the Overseas Chinese Affairs China in 1937, the Chinese people in great example for overseas Chinese and Office of the State Council, the Chinese Peru responded actively to support should be glorified in the war against People’s Association for Friendship the anti-Japanese movement for the Japanese aggression.” with Foreign Countries, Confucius salvation of their homeland. They Contributions Institute Headquarters (Hanban), China organized massive publicity campaigns The founding of the People’s Literature Art Association and China and collected donations to help their Republic of China and the Central Television. The 10 award compatriots back home. improvement of its international status winners were from different continents, He, who was in primary school drew close attention from the young He representing all those involved in the at the time, participated in her school’s Lianxiang. To help overseas Chinese popularization of Chinese culture. repertory theatre to stage dramas, sing better understand what was happening, One of the winners, He Lianxiang, patriotic songs and travel across Peru to publicize the Chinese cause. She she began to work as a translator and was a Chinese-Peruvian in her 90s. participated in fundraising activities editor for Public Thoughts newspaper She had devoted her life to promoting organized by overseas Chinese to present the real situation of the PRC friendship between China and Peru. organizations. to the Chinese community in Peru. When congratulated on winning the After several years of effort, they Later, she became editor in chief and Light of China award, she said: “The had raised more than $1 million in published many reports about the root of my heart relates deeply with donations, and selected a representative changes and achievements in China. my love and attachment to China. to take the money back to China to buy Public Thoughts rose in popularity Though in my 90s, I still want to make warplanes for the Chinese air force. among overseas Chinese in Peru, contributions to the friendship between The donation was highly praised, both Ecuador and Panama. He Lianxiang China and Peru. This is the meaning by the Kuomintang and the Communist also became an influential public figure and value of my life.” Party of China. Zhou Enlai, who in Peru for introducing the new China. Her words impressed and touched was vice-minister of the Political In 1959, she established the us greatly. Department of the Military Commission Peru-China Cultural Association,

12 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018 together with some China-friendly make friends and promote the official In April 1971, Zhou visited Peru Peruvians and leaders of local Chinese relationship through nongovernmental and met with President Juan Francisco organizations. They arranged for exchanges”, which advanced the Velasco Alvarado. Zhou signed the people from political, economic and relationship between China and minutes of the conference with his cultural sectors in Peru to visit China Latin American countries from civil Peruvian counterpart, who was in to learn about its development. They exchanges to official governmental charge of economic affairs, with both also established communication interactions. sides agreeing to set up offices of channels with social organizations and Peru began to consider commercial representatives in the other local governments in China, including establishing diplomatic relations with country’s capital. Half a year later, on the Chinese People’s Association for China in 1969. As He was the editor Friendship with Foreign Countries. in chief of Public Thoughts for a Nov 2, China and Peru made a joint Later, He visited China several times— long time, and interacted frequently declaration officially establishing as a tourist, or to attend National Day with government departments, the diplomatic relations. He Lianxiang celebrations as a member of overseas parliament and social organizations in and the leaders of the Peru-China Chinese delegations such as the Peru- her capacity as a leading member of the Friendship Association and overseas China Friendship Association. Zhou Peru-China Friendship Association and Chinese organizations were thrilled, Enlai, China’s premier; Zhu De, other local Chinese organizations, she and she was subsequently honored as chairman of the National People’s had developed close relationships with Goodwill Messenger for Peru-China Congress Standing Committee; and many ministers, lawmakers and foreign Friendship. Vice-Premier Deng Xiaoping met with ministry officials. her. The Peruvian government Aspirations maintained She supported the construction of decided to make use of an opportunity He Lianxiang has worked her hometown—Zhuhai, Guangdong— created by the visit of a Chinese vice- passionately on cultural exchanges and donated money for its social minister of foreign trade to Chile in and friendship between Peru and and financial development. Every 1971 to find out about China’s attitude year around Lunar New Year and on in the relationship. Fully devoted to China from her youth to old age. She National Day, He and her colleagues friendship between Peru and China, He is now general manager of the Peru- held exhibitions, seminars and was entrusted with the secret mission China Chamber of Commerce, a culture weeks in Peru to introduce the by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign council member for the Latin American achievements and cultural development Affairs. and Caribbean-China Friendship of China. He Lianxiang was proud to Association and secretary-general of have the Peruvians’ trust. At the the Peru-China Cultural Association. Goodwill messenger same time, she was fully aware of the Last year, she presented a book on the During the 1950s and 1960s, responsibility on her shoulders. She Belt and Road Initiative to Peruvian China’s relations with Latin American went to Santiago with a letter from President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski countries developed slowly. I the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before Godard before his visit to China. She remember Chairman Mao saying that Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Zhou believes that the development of China if negotiations could not lead to the Huamin commenced his visit to Chile. will brighten prospects for relations establishment of diplomatic relations She visited the Chinese embassy to soon, both sides could start with deliver the Peruvians’ letter to Zhou between Peru and China, which has commodity trading; and if trade did and forwarded the Peru government’s been her life mission. About her not work, they could become friends invitation for Zhou and its intent contribution, He said simply: “I am just first. Premier Zhou suggested that to push forward the two countries’ a Chinese woman who has her roots in “we should be patient, do more to relations. China and loves China very much.”

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Sino-US nongovernmental exchanges continue

Yang Jun

t was 9 am on Oct 18, 2017. The I 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China opened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. At the same time, Sarah Lande, an American woman in her 70s, was watching the live TV broadcast thousands of miles away in a small town in Iowa. Lande was receiving a delegation of the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries at her home in Muscatine. She told her Chinese guests: “My acquaintance with Sino-US Friendship House President Xi Jinping has been over 30 years and I want to congratulate the 19th National Congress of the the members of the delegation who Congress. It was particularly Communist Party of China.” had been a receptionist on her visit to meaningful for the Shanghai guests, Shanghai in 2012. The Chinese woman joined by a local resident, to review Chinese red presented her with an album of photos the 30-year friendship between Lande was attired in “Chinese taken during that visit and a Chinese- President Xi Jinping and the town red”, as she was five years ago when style red vest. Lande tried on the vest at this moment. As a witness to Xi’s she welcomed the visiting Chinese right away in excitement. It fit perfectly two visits to Muscatine—in 1985 and president. She knew that red is the as if it were specially tailored. The 2012—Lande shared her memories of Chinese people’s most favored color, nostalgia-inducing album and the gift Xi’s reunion with his local friends and and that it symbolizes festivity and added to the atmosphere of affinity. especially their chats over tea at her fortune. In this way she showed her The SPAFFC delegation’s visit residence. She showed the Shanghai sincere respect for Chinese culture. to Muscatine coincided with the guests everything Chinese in her She found an acquaintance among convening of the CPC’s National house—Chinese characters on the wall;

14 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018 porcelain standing in a corner; a table health and environmental protection. Culture Going Global project. The napkin with a pattern of peacocks; and fair showed Chinese handicrafts such Flower of friendship a scroll of Chinese calligraphy on the as diabolo, opera masks, calligraphy, wall of the living room, which was People-to-people exchanges and dough sculpture and New Year’s presented by Xi in 1985. cooperation between China and the pictures. Chinese folk musicians played US at the local level has bloomed in the erhu (a two-stringed instrument), Golden key science, technology, culture and art. the guzhen (Chinese zither) and other Xi is the only Muscatine guest In 2013, the Shanghai Songjiang traditional music instruments, to the to have received the city’s golden key Aquatic Technology Popularization delight of local listeners. twice. In a speech delivered during his Center introduced in-pond raceway An Iowa company specializing visit to the United States in 2012, he aquaculture technology (IPA) from in the lighting of sports facilities has said: “The golden key given to me by Iowa, funded by the US state’s soybean provided lighting systems for the Muscatine’s City Hall in 1985 opened association. With the new technology, football fields of Shanghai Century Park the door for exchanges and cooperation the water in a fish-raising pond can and Shanghai Kangjian Community, as between Chinese and American peoples recycle itself without any discharge, well as for Shanghai Jinshan Stadium. at the local level. Once the door is ensuring zero pollution of the The 40-year-old company set up a opened, no force can close it again. The environment. solely owned subsidiary company in door will be opened wider and wider.” According to available data, China Shanghai’s Songjiang district, which Muscatine has named the house at had built more than 3,000 running- has become its global manufacturing 2911 Bonny Street, where Xi stayed in water, fish-raising troughs by the end center for the Asia-Pacific. The safe 1985, the “Sino-US Friendship House”. of 2016, and the number was expected and highly efficient lighting systems it Open to the public for free visits, the to exceed 5,000 by the end of 2017, produces have contributed significantly house is the city’s first building themed mainly in the Yangtze River Delta. to Shanghai’s energy-saving campaign. for Sino-US friendship. Shanghai pioneered the technology Friendship for generations The old friends of Xi have and serves as a promoter, while other become envoys of nongovernmental provinces in the region—Jiangsu, Amity between people— diplomacy between the two countries. Zhejiang and Anhui—are major users a connection of hearts—is the key Terry Branstad, the current US of the technique. to sound relations between states. ambassador to China, has been a friend In February 2016, the China Radio The connection of hearts begins of Xi for 30 years. The 71-year-old Folk Music Orchestra gave a concert in with exchanges between youths. former governor of Iowa hoped he Muscatine. The performance—themed Addressing a conference marking could visit as many places in China as “Music of Friendship Opens Window the 60th anniversary of the Chinese possible during his tenure, contacting to China”—fascinated the locals with People’s Association for Friendship Chinese people widely, to boost cultural a flavor of Chinese traditional music. with Foreign Countries, President Xi and economic exchanges between the In July, the Iowa city sent a high said: “In people-to-people diplomacy, two countries. school choir to attend the 13th China we should treat our foreign friends Over time, as a go-between and a International Chorus Festival. The with sincerity, true love and heartfelt witness to Muscatine’s friendship with teenagers from Muscatine sang a song affinity, so as to move them and get Xi, Lande developed profound affection titled Love Retains Eternal Memory closer to them. In this way, people for China. She visited Shanghai three in praise of the people-to-people from different countries will be more times—in May and November 2012 friendship between the two countries. friendly and affectionate to each other and in May 2014—to promote her In November, the 2016 Muscatine and will support each other with greater hometown’s cooperation with the Chinese Culture Week was held in shared interests. Special efforts should Chinese metropolis in sports, public Muscatine as part of the Chinese be devoted to exchanges between

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Chinese and foreign youths so that they which they painted pictures depicting Public Library of Muscatine, the will carry forward the cause of people- their countries and set display platforms 117th of its kind, which the Shanghai to-people friendship.” showcasing their national cultures. institutions had set up worldwide. In recent years, many from the The youths from Muscatine were Then, in October 2017, the 139th one post-1995 generations have joined most interested in the activity titled was opened at the Community College in people-to-people communications “Be a Shanghai citizen for one day”, Library of Muscatine. The books between Shanghai and Muscatine. in which they narrowed the cultural donated by Shanghai were popular In July 2014, eight teenagers from gap with their local counterparts. among the city’s residents and young Muscatine took part in the 10th They said they were impressed by people, who got to know Chinese Shanghai International Youth Shanghai’s prosperity and the local culture and the great changes that have Interactive Friendship Camp in people’s hospitality, and would tell taken place in China. Books about Shanghai on behalf of American their countrymen what they had seen China’s old customs and traditional youths. They joined nearly 100 in the city to help more Americans get Chinese medicine were most favored. youths from 20 countries, including a better understanding of China. After Through this window, they saw an Australia, Canada, Germany, Mexico, going home, the Muscatine youths held international metropolis radiating meetings to brief their schoolmates South Korea and Tunisia, to mark the cultural brilliance and the spirit of occasion. about Shanghai and reportedly received scientific innovation. Some of them The 10-day celebration included a warm response. have begun to plan a visit to China. activities under three themes—Chinese A total of 1,000 or more President Xi said the fate of the Culture, I Love Shanghai and National youngsters from about 50 countries world is in the hands of the people of Show. Youngsters from other countries and regions attended the Shanghai all countries, hence all governments expanded their knowledge of Chinese International Youth Interactive must fully rely on the people. After the culture by learning spoken Chinese, Friendship Camp during the 12 years 19th National Congress of the CPC, listening to history lectures, eating from 2005 to 2017. The annual event the friendly exchanges and cooperation Chinese food, watching a dragon for connecting hearts and building between the Chinese and American dance and shadow puppet show, being friendship has become an attraction for peoples entered a new era. carried on a bridal sedan pretending young people around the world. After watching the opening to be a bride, painting masks, making Window to China ceremony of the CPC Congress and dough sculptures, tying Chinese knots and writing Chinese characters with Muscatine launched a program President Xi’s report live on TV, the brushes. called “Window to China” to promote Shanghai visitors were presented with The foreign youths stayed in Sino-US friendship. Through the a copy of the monograph by renowned homes of local volunteers “to be a platform, Chinese businesspeople and political scientist Greheum Allison— Shanghai citizen for one day” and nongovernmental organizations have Doomed to the First War: Can China took part in an orientation test—called sponsored many high school students and America Avoid the Thucydides “I Love Shanghai”—during which from the Iowa city to participate in Trap? Ms. Rande presented the gift and they visited the Chinese Art Gallery, the Shanghai camp over the past had read and left commentary in the Shanghai Science and Technology three years. The platform also played book. She wrote an inscription on the Museum, Shanghai International a vital role for Shanghai businesses inside cover: “China-US relations are Automobile Plaza, Oriental Pearl to cooperate with their Muscatine full of opportunities and challenges. Tower, Madame Tussaud’s wax counterparts. Let us strengthen friendly exchanges museum and other places. They also In June 2015, the SPAFFC and and be the defenders of peace; and with participated in a fine arts contest with the Shanghai Library set up a “Shanghai love and friendship we will continue the theme of “My Hometown”, in Window” reading room in the Musser moving forward.”

16 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018

Never forget old friends while making new ones

Fan Lily

n the early winter of 2017-18, Xie I Yuan, vice-president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, visited Belgium to award the title of Friendship Ambassador posthumously to Henri Lederhandler, an old associate of the CPAFFC, and presented the Belgium-China Friendship Award to six other Belgians. In the early years of exchanges between Belgium and China, a group Xie Yuan, vice-president of CPAFFC and Qu Xing, of Belgian citizens with historical Chinese ambassador to Belgium, jointly bestowed the insights and lofty ideals broke through Belgium-China Friendship Award on six Belgians. barriers to establish friendly exchanges with China, laying a solid foundation When China was confronted with him “a friend of Chinese people for later developments in goodwill. an exceptionally tough international forever”. Lederhandler was an outstanding environment, Lederhandler persuaded On the morning of Nov 16, representative. One of the founding Bekaert, Janssen, Solvay, AGFA and CPAFFC Vice-President Xie visited members of the Belgium-China other Belgian companies to invest Lederhandler’s widow, bestowing the Association, Lederhandler served as in China and provide equipment and title of Friendship Ambassador. She the first chairs of the Belgium-China materials for China’s industrialization. was moved deeply and shared photos Economic and Commercial Council. In 1979, thanks to Lederhandler’s of Lederhandler taken when he was He visited China more than 70 times efforts, the Belgian government received by Chairman Mao Zedong during his lifetime, and was hailed as provided China an interest-free loan and Premier Zhou Enlai. She said a key pioneer of friendly exchanges of 900 million Belgian francs for 30 her husband had devoted his life to and economic and trade cooperation years to support the construction of promoting friendship between Belgium between the two countries. Pingdingshan Thermal Power Plant in and China, and that he would be In the 1960s, he helped arrange Henan province, which was the first honored to receive the title. Belgian Queen Elizabeth’s visit to interest-free loan China had received During his visit, Xie also China, which was the first visit to the from any developed Western country. bestowed the Belgium-China newly born People’s Republic by any In 2012, Li Keqiang, then vice-premier Friendship Award on six Belgians— member of a Western royal family. It of China, visited Lederhandler during Caroline Tengrootenhuysen, An was also an icebreaker in relations. an official trip to Belgium and called Tengrootenhuysen, Lale Yuvali, Yvonne

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Mainguet, Hans Van Duysen and Philip Vanhaelemeersch. The Tengrootenhuysens are sisters who, together with two other sisters, Yuvali and Mainguet, founded China Today magazine, published in both A visit to Bukhara Flemish and French. For decades, they have written articles promoting Chinese culture and have shown the Belgian Wen Guangmei people the real China. In December 2017, the Tengrootenhuysen sisters visited China for an award ceremony—2017 Light of China—the annual awards for outstanding contributors to the n a high-speed train dashing delivered a wonderful speech on behalf promotion of Chinese culture. They were O across the vast green grassland, of Bukhara at the main forum of the di- honored with the Special Contribution we headed southwest from Tashkent, alogue between local leaders of China award. Hans Van Duysen, the current capital of Uzbekistan, to the Central and five Central Asian countries. The chairman of the Belgium-China Asian city of Bukhara, an important video clip Bukhara, which was shown Association, and Vanhaelemeersch, node on the ancient Silk Road that has before her speech, fascinated the audi- director of the Confucius Institute, witnessed the prosperity and decline of ence as it explored the city’s mysteri- represent a new generation of China- the ancient trade routes but has now ous, ancient history and magnificent friendly Belgians who have taken up gained new vitality under China’s great architecture. the cause of developing China-Belgium Belt and Road Initiative. In June, 2016, President Xi Jin- friendship by energetically promoting After more than four hours on ping paid a state visit to Uzbekistan economic and cultural exchanges and the train, we arrived in Bukhara. It and stopped in the historic and cultural cooperation. was March, but we could still feel the city of Bukhara, which was called “a No man should forget the well- dry, clean coolness when stepping out. living fossil on the Silk Road”. Xi was digger when he drinks the water. In that Vice-Mayor Olima Nurova of Bukhara, accompanied by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, spirit, people will never forget those carrying a bouquet of flowers, together Usbekistan’s prime minister at the time who sowed the seeds of friendship with Akramova Khushvakht, chair- (current president). which have taken root, sprouted and woman of the Association of Sister Cit- Xi said: “Bukhara was a shining blossomed in the hearts of the Chinese ies of Bukhara, greeted us at the door pearl on the Ancient Silk Road. Today’s and Belgian people. of the carriage. Their smiles and enthu- visit has enriched our understanding of As China draws closer to the siasm warmed us immediately. the origin of the relationship between center of the world stage and attracts Akramova is an old friend and China and Uzbekistan, which will ben- more friends, we Chinese should the first Bukharan I made contact with. efit the inheritance of the Silk Road always remember our old friends. Only In November 2016, she was invited by spirit, enhance people’s friendship be- by doing so, can we create a favorable the Chinese People’s Association for tween the two countries and promote international environment for the great Friendship with Foreign Countries to the building of the Belt and Road Ini- rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and attend the Second China-Central Asia tiative.” lay a solid foundation for the vision Cooperation Dialogue, which was orga- Akramova said in her speech that of a world community with a shared nized by the CPAFFC and the Hainan the beauty of Bukhara and the warmth future. provincial government in Haikou. She of its people had been fully presented

18 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018 during Xi’s visit. It’s worth mentioning that the distinguished Chinese guest did not choose Tashkent, the capital, as the first stop of his visit to Uzbekistan; instead he decided to take a look at the ancient city of Bukhara first. This dem- onstrates the Chinese leader’s highest respect for the city’s heritage of thou- sands of years of history. It was a great pleasure to see the old friends who had invited us many times to this alien land. More impor- tant, as delegates of the CPAFFC, a national unit entrusted by the Chinese government to coordinate and oversee the work of establishing and develop- A glimpse of Bukhara ing friendship city relations, we were charged with the important mission of implementing the consensus reached tional markets. Every year thousands of lanes of the Bazaar. Peddlers sold their by the leaders of the two countries. We tourists from all over the world come to wares enthusiastically, just as they did were commissioned to invite Bukhara, Bukhara. in ancient times. Shops were full of on behalf of the ancient Chinese capital By the time we arrived, I was in goods, sheepskins, wool carpets, iron- city of Luoyang, to actively promote a trance and wondered whether I had ware, bronzeware, silks, hats, shawls the establishment of friendship city re- come to the horizon or passed through and more. Walking through the lanes, lations. time and space. Brick buildings in I felt as though I were in the Middle On the way, Akramova enthu- khaki, high walls, uneven lanes, wood- Ages. siastically told us about the city she en poles carved with Islamic motifs, People were celebrating Nowruz, loved so deeply and of which she was mosques and theological institutes ap- the traditional festival of Central Asian very proud. She noted that Bukhara, peared before my eyes in picturesque nations, similar to the Chinese Spring the third-largest city of Uzbekistan, has disorder. The restored blue-glazed walls Festival. It was as stroke of good for- changed with each passing day since and circular domes echoed the blue tune that we had the opportunity to the country achieved independence. sky. People in robes and folk costumes experience this wonderful festival in People’s livelihoods have also experi- occasionally walked through the quiet person. In the park square opposite a enced fundamental changes. In 1993, street. There seemed to be no boundar- theological institute, elderly people sat Bukhara was added the UNESCO ies between past and present, as if we on a couch or a chair, enjoying the fes- World Cultural Heritage list. Today, actually had come to ancient Bukhara. tival food while watching the artistic the city’s modern industry, agricul- Our hotel, with historical appeal, performances. Akramova told us that ture, science, technology, culture and was located inside the ancient city. A during every Nowruz the city govern- art are being revitalized; infrastructure one-or two-minute walk from the hotel ment invites all the elders of the city construction has been carried out on a is the bustling Bazaar which showed to eat here for three days as a show large scale; its fruits and vegetables are the vitality of the ancient city. Every of respect and humanity. It reminded sold all over the world; and its handi- business was like a small workshop me of China’s Thousand Elders Feast, crafts such as gold embroidery, silk and or museum connected by an arch. Old which also has filial piety at its heart as lambskin have won praise in interna- brick walls echoed with the winding it carries forward the fine tradition of

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expressing respect and love toward the directives of the heads of state of both of carrying out cooperation in economy elderly. countries, participate in the building of and trade, tourism, culture, agriculture, As friendly neighboring countries, the Belt and Road Initiative and deepen medical treatment and cultural relics, as China and Uzbekistan for historical practical cooperation in various fields, well as opening direct flights between reasons share many similarities in fes- especially among local governments. the two cities. tivals and customs, and these positive He thanked our delegation for invit- On May 24 last year, CPAFFC measures surely have important signifi- ing him to the Luoyang Peony Cul- Vice-President Song Jingwu hosted cance for uniting the people and creat- tural Festival on behalf of Mayor Liu a farewell banquet in Beijing for the ing a harmonious social environment, Wankang of Luoyang, Henan province, Bukhara delegation before their re- whether in ancient or modern times. and expressed Bukhara’s willingness turn to home. Akramova, who was one Our visit yielded positive re- to establish friendship city relations. of the delegates, was thrilled to see sults. On March 22, the CPAFFC, the He said he would like to build up con- us once again after two months. She Chinese embassy in Uzbekistan and tacts, strengthen personnel exchanges, thanked the CPAFFC for building a the Council of Friendship Societies consider the possibility of sending del- bridge of communication and provid- and Cultural-Enlightening Relations egations to attend the Luoyang Peony ing full support for their visit to China. with Foreign Countries of Uzbekistan Cultural Festival and spare no effort to They looked forward to Luoyang’s re- jointly presented a symposium on co- help establish friendship city relations turn visit later this year. operation between China and Uzbeki- between the two cities. Local cooperation is an important stan—Jointly Building the Silk Road Walking out of the city govern- part of the development of bilateral Economic Belt in Tashkent. It was the ment building, we were glad that an- relations, and one of the most direct first time China had been part of a sym- other pair of cities in China and Uz- and effective channels for success. The posium with such a theme, and also the bekistan were going to establish friend- Bukhara government delegation made first time for our association to co-host ship city relations through the care of its first visit to China after leaders of a large-scale academic exchange with leaders in the two countries, and we the two countries witnessed the signing cooperative partners. It turned out to be lived up to our mission of promoting of memorandum of friendship city rela- a grand people-to-people exchange in friendship city relations and city diplo- tions—an important step in implement- the diplomatic and academic fields of macy. ing the important consensus reached China and Uzbekistan. At the invitation of Chinese by leaders of the two countries and one Bukhara Mayor IKhtiyor A. President Xi, Uzbekistan’s President of the fruits of President Mirziyoyev’s Farmonov met the CPAFFC delega- Shavkat Mirziyoyev made his first state visit to China. tion. He first congratulated us on the visit to China and attended the Belt and Bukhara, a city that once seemed successful holding of the symposium Road Forum for International Coopera- strange and distant, now fees intimate, and then expressed his appreciation tion in Beijing in May 2017. Witnessed a land of idyllic beauty that lingers in and gratitude to the friendship associa- by the leaders of their respective coun- the memory of history forever. Owing tions of both countries for their posi- tries, Luoyang and Bukhara signed a to the ancient Silk Road thousands of tive efforts in promoting the develop- memorandum establishing friendship years ago, today’s Belt and Road Initia- ment of bilateral relations. He said, the city relations in the Great Hall of the tive has cemented the everlasting tra- Silk Road pushed the development of People on May 12, laying a solid foun- ditional friendship between people of Bukhara in the past and promoted pros- dation for ties. A week later, Vice May- different regions, history and culture. perity. or Aminov led a government delegation They are now more tightly connected He expressed willingness to ac- from Bukhara on a visit to Luoyang. with each other, despite the distance tively respond to the initiatives and The two sides discussed the possibility that separates us.

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Interview with Bayney Karran, Guyana’s ambassador to China

Staff reporter

VOF: Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Guyana on June 27, 1972, the bilateral relationship has developed smoothly with frequent high-level exchanges and close coordination in international affairs. The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which concluded in Beijing on Oct 24, 2017, marked the beginning of a new era for China. After the congress, China’s diplomacy has taken on some new looks. Mr. Ambassador, how what do you think China and Guyana should do to inject Bayney Karran new vitality into bilateral relations in the new era?

KARRAN: Thank you for this were each seeking correct paths to the realms of economics, international wonderful opportunity to interact with sustainable development in a post- politics and culture. By economics your readers. First, please let me wish colonial setting. These common we are speaking specifically about a a Happy Year of the Brown Earth Dog experiences shaped our bilateral Guyana-China bilateral partnership for and a Happy 2018 to you and to all relationship which is characterized infrastructure development, investment, readers of The Voice of Friendship. by reliability, friendship and good industrial financing, trade and business. Indeed, the bilateral relationship understanding. The new era has ushered in a fresh between Guyana and China has But we in Guyana are not content wave of possibilities that would allow developed smoothly, with close to simply reminisce about what great us to harness greater returns in these coordination in international friends we are with China. This new critical areas. We must grasp these affairs. Such connections between era is the time to build on our excellent opportunities. our two countries were forged out track record. Guyana has an immediate First of all, China has presented of comparable experiences as we desire to intensify the relationship in excellent prospects for cooperation

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on international issues. In his New place within the framework of the held in Beijing in May2017. President Year’s address, President Xi Jinping Green State Development Agenda. Xi Jinping said in his keynote speech spoke of China’s readiness to work In addition, Guyana has enormous at the opening ceremony that “the with others to chart a future that is potential for clean and renewable Belt and Road Initiative is rooted in more prosperous, more peaceful and energy, particularly hydropower. This the ancient Silk Road. It focuses on more secure in a community of a common commitment to fighting the the Asian, European and African shared future for mankind. The policies effects of climate change provides continents, but is also open to all other enunciated by President Xi will help China and Guyana with a natural space countries. All countries, from Asia, maintain the international order and to widen our scope for cooperation in Europe, Africa or the Americas, can uphold the authority and status of the an area of vital importance. be international cooperation partners United Nations. Given the current risk Third, at this very moment of the Belt and Road Initiative.” of conflicts escalating in several parts Guyana’s economy is poised for a Guyana boasts rich forest and mineral of the globe, policies geared to achieve phase of accelerated expansion. Oil resources. China and Guyana have a these ends are of deep significance to is in the air or, to be precise, is in the tremendous potential for cooperation countries like Guyana. In the absence waters offshore—3.2 billion barrels in such areas as infrastructure, of peace, security and prosperity, of it. These windfall discoveries were agriculture, forestry, fisheries and small states would suffer. In this sense, made within the last three years, and climate change. Mr. Ambassador, what China’s determination to fulfill its they have set the stage for Guyana is your expectation for China-Guyana declared international obligations, or to remodel itself into a significant cooperation under the framework of its “new look diplomacy”, as you have oil producer. This will eventually the Belt and Road Initiative? called it, may itself be a sine qua non revolutionize the country’s economy, for improved bilateral ties. commencing in 2020. A petroleum- KARRAN: The extension of Second, President Xi has backed economy, taken together with the Belt and Road Initiative from an reiterated China’s commitments to our prolific resources in other sectors intercontinental initiative to a global tackling climate change and continuing such as forestry, minerals, agriculture one must be seen as testimony by the with your country’s contributions to and even tourism, will multiply the international community to the results global development. Last November, prospects for trade, investment and that it has achieved thus far. following the president’s visit to cooperation between Guyana and Evidently, this potentially Latin America and the Caribbean, China. In this scenario the development transformative initiative is capable of China issued its Second Latin of Guyana’s infrastructure will be of unleashing the development potential American Policy Paper in which it was the highest priority. Chinese capital and of the economies in its wake. We specifically stated that China intends to construction capability are a natural have observed that at the core of the promote measures to combat climate complement to the development of initiative lies project cooperation change in the Caribbean. As a low-lying these sectors. We are a small country in fields such as infrastructure coastal state, Guyana, like the rest of with big plans for our future prosperity. connectivity, industrial investment, the Caribbean, is particularly vulnerable We are calculating that Chinese resource development, economic to the effects of climate change. Your cooperation will be a key to unlocking and trade cooperation, financial readers might be unaware of this, but that prosperity. cooperation, transportation, cultural Guyana is a pioneer in the field of exchanges, ecological protection and so reducing greenhouse gas emissions forth. through forestry conservation. Besides, VOF: The Belt and Road Forum In addition to bilateral our development planning takes for International Cooperation was cooperation on climate change, energy

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and infrastructure, which I mentioned pristine features, including waterfalls, share with us your views on further earlier, there would indeed be ample savannahs and virgin rainforests that enhancing the traditional friendship scope to increase cooperation in these teem with wild creatures and birds— between the Chinese and Guyanese other areas that you have brought up not to mention the rich and diverse people? within the ambit of the Belt and Road culture, cuisine and festivals—all make Initiative. for attractive adventure tourism. KARRAN: The Guyanese Guyana, a word which means Investors in Guyana enjoy population, particularly those of “land of many waters”, boasts 50 rivers, preferential access to markets in the Chinese descent, thrilled with pride 80 waterfalls and an Atlantic Ocean US, Canada, Brazil and the Caribbean, when President Arthur Chung was coastline. The country’s waterways with duty free or reduced tariffs to appointed. He is the first Chinese head harbor great potential for developing a market of 277 million consumers of state of a non-Asian country. hydropower and expanding fisheries valued at more than $130 billion. As you have mentioned, from as and aquaculture. In this regard, Guyana and China early as 1853, long before Guyana’s The land area happens to be the complement each other perfectly. Independence from Great Britain in exact size of Hunan province, but in our Our abundance of resources and raw 1966, Chinese immigrants began to case 75 percent of the surface is thickly materials fits squarely with China’s settle in our country. Those pioneers forested. There are over 1,000 species financial and technological capabilities, originally came to work on our of wood, of which several premium such that the bases for cooperation sugar plantations. Their descendants ones are already being exported to under Belt and Road are already in have played a prominent part in the China. Investors are welcome to add place. Should Guyana eventually economic, social, political and cultural value to our forestry products and then fall under the Belt and Road rubric, dimensions of Guyanese society. From to export them in keeping with our this initiative could best be launched the inception, they applied their well- legal and environmental stipulations. by developing mid- and long-term known propensity for thrift and hard Beneath the forest floor can development plans for economic and work. They gravitated immediately be found untapped reserves of rare trade cooperation and by aligning those to professional and business life, earth metals, uranium, silica, copper, with regional cooperation plans. gaining prominence in commerce, law, nickel, iron, semi-precious stones medicine, the education system and so and manganese. Bauxite, gold and forth, while at the same time making diamonds are already being extracted. VOF: On Feb 23, 1970, the considerable economic and cultural Guyana’s fertile soil and large Cooperative Republic of Guyana was contributions to our society. These size relative to other Caribbean founded. Arthur Chung, a Guyanese bonds between our two peoples have countries has earned it the sobriquet of Chinese descent, was then elected been sewn tightly with the passage of “the breadbasket of the Caribbean” as the country’s first president. The time, such that the threads of China due to its agricultural potential to Chinese have made great contributions are firmly stitched into the fabric of feed the region. Improvements in to the economic development in Guyana’s culture. land preparation, technology and Guyana since they began arriving Jan12 has been designated as species types can significantly boost in the country in 1853. In 2017, the the day to pay homage to ancestors of the production of fruit, vegetables, Guyana government announced that Chinese origin and to applaud their livestock, seafood and biofuels. Jan 12 each year would be the day to contribution to our nation. A Chinese Guyana is also a major rice and sugar celebrate the arrival and settlement arrival monument has been erected at a producer in the Caribbean. In tourism, of Chinese immigrants in Guyana. place called Windsor Forest (village) in the country’s tropical climate and Mr. Ambassador, would you like to Guyana.

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President David Granger of economic development, health, cultural exchanges between Guyana Guyana stated earlier this month that infrastructure development, defense and China faces the challenge of Chinese immigrants in Guyana abided and security. surmounting barriers of distance with our local laws and regulations and and language. There have been dedicated themselves to building the regular cultural exchanges between Guyanese nation through their national VOF: In September 2017, the our countries over the years. One spirit of diligence, perseverance and 2017 China (Anyang) International notable initiative was a CPAFFC promotion of harmony. They are an Conference of Chinese Characters project that produced a remarkable integral part of the Guyana story— was brought to the National Museum book of paintings of Guyana by a various ethnic groups working side by of Chinese Writing by the Chinese group of visiting Chinese artists. The side, learning from and supporting each People’s Association for Friendship establishment of a Confucius Institute other. Their preservation of traditional with Foreign Countries and the at the University of Guyana some years Chinese culture has amplified the People’s Government of Henan ago has given a significant boost to the richness and diversity that already province. We have learned that Your teaching of Chinese culture in Guyana. existed in the Guyanese culture. For Excellency attended and addressed the In terms of other worthwhile all of this and more, Guyana became opening ceremony. In your remarks, initiatives, exchanges in visual and the first English-speaking Caribbean you said, “As China’s economy and its literary arts can be promoted. Workshops country to establish diplomatic global presence have grown, so have and performances in music, fine arts and relations with China in 1972. its interactions with the international audiovisual arts are probably other areas At this year’s ceremony to mark community and, understandably, this in which much can be accomplished. To the 165th anniversary of Chinese has caused the Chinese language my mind, it would be good to give our arrival, President Granger stated that and culture to be of deeper interest young artists exposure to each other and Chinese immigrants are as welcome to and relevance.” Mr. Ambassador, in let their creativity roam. settle in Guyana right now as they were your opinion, what should China and Guyanese culture has sprung back in 1853. The number of Chinese Guyana do to strengthen connectivity from our people’s roots in Asia, Africa, in Guyana is small but growing. in cultural exchanges? Europe and the Americas, Caribbean And, whereas they formerly came as influences and our geographic location laborers, today a new wave of Chinese KARRAN: I was honored in South America’s Amazon. The three immigrants is arriving, this time as to have been invited to deliver great religions of Christianity, Islam investors and entrepreneurs, bringing some brief remarks at the Anyang and Hinduism all flourish harmoniously along their expertise in areas such Conference on Chinese Characters. I within our communities. We would like as commerce and construction while stated then that as China’s economy to do more to share the rich, diverse lending further strength to an already and its global presence have grown, character of our arts, cuisine and sturdy relationship. so have its interactions with the fashions along with our vibrant and Such bonds can be strengthened international community, and that colorful festivals and traditions framed by more exposure, more interaction this has understandably caused the by our pristine natural beauty. and greater interconnection. Continued Chinese language and culture to be of I am confident that Guyana, a traffic in entrepreneurs, tradesmen, deeper interest and relevance. A keen country that is little known in China, technicians and tourists would serve to awareness of each other’s culture is a would be well-regarded when Chinese further deepen our friendship. There is prerequisite for increased tolerance, audiences discover more of these scope to intensify our already excellent solidarity and cooperation. charms through the mutual exchanges cooperation in the fields of education, Strengthening connectivity in of our cultures and peoples.

24 Forum and Exhibition

Uncle Hanzi in China

Mu Yu

“Uncle Hanzi, could you sign your autograph for me?” “I want it too!” In a classroom of the 39th Middle School of Anyang, Henan province, Uncle Hanzi was surrounded by his ea- ger fans. In recent years, it has become quite normal for him. In September 2017, the China (Anyang) International Conference of Chinese Characters was unveiled in Anyang, one of China’s ancient capi- tals. Uncle Hanzi’s red T-shirt and his head of silver hair were especially eye- “Uncle Hanzi” —Richard Sears catching. Wherever the T-shirt was seen, there would be a crowd of people. over the pen to write some of his own, a Chinese character, he tells the origin Journalists, scholars, working staff, to the amazement of the student jour- of every stroke. He was reluctant to tell businessmen and fans came here es- nalists. In the classroom, Uncle Hanzi how hard it had been for him to learn pecially for him—they were all Uncle wrote a character on the blackboard the Chinese language and what dif- Hanzi’s fans. and shared its origin with the students. ficulties he had overcome to maintain At the beginning of 2017, Uncle The youngsters listened with great in- a website about Chinese characters Hanzi, whose real name is Richard terest. They were taught Chinese every while living alone in the remote US Sears, gave a speech on China Central day in school but had never heard the state of Tennessee. All he wanted was Television for its program First Class stories Uncle Hanzi told. Uncle Hanzi to draw people’s attention to Chinese of the New Semester. He told the audi- might feel a bit depressed, I thought. characters, even in China where people ence about his love affairs with Chinese “Why,” he might ask, “do Chinese not should have been much more zealous characters, or hanzi. That accounted for know and not want to know the stories about studying them. his popularity among high school stu- behind Chinese characters?” However, his ignorance of self dents, as was evidenced in his meeting Every time Uncle Hanzi had would not diminish his legendary status with the crowd of fans at 39th Middle a chance to share hanzi stories, he as Uncle Hanzi, and his unusual fasci- School. Seeing students writing cal- liked to speak directly without beat- nation with Chinese characters makes ligraphic characters, Uncle Hanzi took ing around the bush. In writing down him hard to ignore.

25 Forum and Exhibition

Uncle Hanzi and his hanzi more than 10,000 Chinese books. He jin TV. He made a life-changing deci- employed a Chinese assistant to help sion: go to China. Life in the country Richard Sears, from the United him scan calligraphic characters into did not proceed smoothly. Though he States, developed an interest in the Chi- the computer. In his database, more had become popular, he was still finan- nese language at a young age. In 1972, than 100,000 ancient Chinese character cially strained. He was even cornered he spent a year’s saving to buy a one- forms were digitized. After spending by visa trouble—once even given a way ticket to Taiwan. At that time, his all his $300,000 savings, Sears could deadline to leave China. Luckily Sina only wish was to become fluent—and literate—in Chinese. After 18 years no longer afford to pay the assistant. Weibo came to his rescue. An old of study, he was able to speak the lan- To sustain the giant project, he worked friend of Uncle Hanzi named Yan Dixin guage but was still unable to write it. alone in a 10-square-meter low-rent wrote a comment on the social media Like most other Chinese learners, house, racing against time. platform: Sears thought Chinese characters have In 2002, his website went online. “Richard Sears, an American, too many strokes and are structured in But the obscure website was like a little who is called Uncle Hanzi by Chinese illogical ways. However, the difference boat floating in an internet ocean. Even friends, has spent all his savings and was that Sears was a physicist and com- in China, few people knew that there 20 years to conduct Chinese etymology puter expert. One day, on a fortuitous was a foreigner spending all his money research and created a website, www. occasion, he learned about the evolu- and time to search for the origin of Chi- chineseetymology.org, to promote the tion of the pictographic characters. It nese characters. study. He devotes himself to hanzi and dawned on him that the seemingly ca- Things began to turn around in now lives a hard life in China. His visa pricious strokes all follow certain rules. 2011. One night in January, Sears re- is nearly expired, and he has to leave But at that time, there were scarcely ceived more than $100 in donations China in days. He is in Tianjin now and any etymological works explaining the in just one hour, which nearly equaled hopes to get a job as a teacher or trans- origin of Chinese characters, either in a whole year’s worth of donations he lator. He wants to stay in China to con- English or Chinese. had received before. On that day, his tinue his research. Hope you can help “I found that nearly all Chinese website received more than 600,000 and forward this message!” rely on rote memorization to learn Chi- hits. Thousands of emails poured into The message was spread across nese writing and have no idea about his mailbox. It was on that day he was the internet. Finally, Uncle Hanzi was the origin of the characters,” he said. called Uncle Hanzi for the first time. able to stay. Beijing Normal University At the age of 40, Sears determined to He liked the name very much. After offered him a job to teach physics in computerize the original forms of Chi- that, Uncle Hanzi learned that a Chi- English and thus settled the visa prob- nese characters and find the inner logic nese person had found his website lem. of them. The enormous project went by chance and forwarded it to others. This year is Uncle Hanzi’s sixth slowly for four years. Then more Chinese people found the in China. He has received increasing It seems that all legends need a website. That was the first time, Uncle numbers of invitations to give speeches tipping point to become successful. Hanzi said, that he felt support from and attend conferences and forums. Sears’s tipping pointy came at the age Chinese people. Before long, a produc- Under his latest social media post of 44: He had a near-fatal heart attack. tion unit of Tianjin TV crossed the At- there is a comment: “I knew you and The doctor told him he might have only lantic to visit Uncle Hanzi in the United your story from the readers’ column one year left. Sears decided he would States. of CCTV. I was really touched! I am redouble his efforts to complete his ety- a Chinese teacher teaching foreigners. Uncle Hanzi in China mology research. I really thank for your contribution to Over the next seven years, Sears At the end of 2011, Uncle Hanzi Chinese characters!” went to China five times and bought received a second invitation from Tian- At a forum of the China (Anyang)

26 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018

International Conference of Chinese Characters, Uncle Hanzi sat side by side with scholars from universities. He opened his giant database and referred to Chinese characters one after another to illustrate his points of view. He asked the audience confident- ly: “Do you know how the character 蛇 (snake) came to be?” I don’t know how other listeners felt, but I perceived a touch of blame in his voice. Maybe that was because I felt somewhat ashamed. As a Chinese, how can I have no idea about the origin of Chinese characters? Uncle Hanzi sharing stories about the Chinese characters On May 10, 2015, Uncle Hanzi with students wrote online: “I hope you Chinese love your own culture. Chinese characters Professional” in the company. a person who always worries about a best represent Chinese culture.” I was The new website has a reason- slew of questions before taking action, shocked at the word “hope” uttered by able layout, eye-friendly colors and an the website wouldn’t have been as suc- a foreigner who had devoted half his easy-to-operate search engine. Type a cessful as it is. life to the study of Chinese characters. Chinese character in the search box and “My principle is not to think too It is reassuring that the sentiment ex- you can get all kinds of the forms it much,” he said in an interview. “If I pressed by Uncle Hanzi was echoed by has taken at different points of history. can begin today, I do it today. Then I 车 some Chinese scholars and volunteers Taking “ ” (vehicle) as an example, try hard to find a way to continue every dedicated to the same cause, as indi- the website lists 13 forms of Oracle day.” cated by the comments left on his new characters, 52 forms of Bronze charac- Outside the National Museum of website. ters, one form of seal characters and 19 Chinese Writing, where the Chinese The first time I logged onto Uncle forms of Liushutong characters. Every characters conference was held, Ms Hanzi’s website, I saw a page with form has been coded by Uncle Hanzi. Chen, Uncle Hanzi’s assistant, ran poorly designed blocks of bold col- We can begin to appreciate how big a toward a crowd of white doves with a ors. The most eye-catching was a full project this was. yell and happily took photos of them. screen of ancient Chinese characters in Uncle Hanzi continues to update Uncle Hanzi stood beside me and said disarray. Now, the website has changed his official WeChat account, called with a big smile: “She’s just a child its domain name to be hanziyuan.net. A “Uncle Hanzi’s Story” ( 汉字叔叔讲故 search for “Uncle Hanzi” on the Baidu 事 ). The vivid short stories are writ- sometimes.” engine leads to this website. Appar- ten in both Chinese and English. Uncle I was touched by that pure smile. ently, the new website was designed Hanzi plans to make videos using those That is a child’s smile. Yes, only a man by a professional. Later I learned that stories and include them on his web- with the innocent heart of a child can the professional was Yan Dixin, who site. As he has already written over remain true to his original aspiration helped Uncle Hanzi stay in China 1,000 stories, the video plan will be for decades! through Weibo’s influence. Yan is one another giant project. But I will not ask The good thing is that Uncle of the best engineers in Microsoft, and him about the funding and time that Hanzi is still in China, and his story of was recognized as the “Most Valuable will be needed. If Uncle Hanzi were hanzi will go on.

27 Forum and Exhibition

China’s people-centered development

Jinith de Silva

he Communist Party of China has tives taken since 2012, especially the about 50 million. Eliminating that by T met every five years since 1921 economic reforms, the Chinese Dream, 2020 will be a landmark achievement. for its National Congress. Founded the Belt and Road Initiative and the an- The Party’s ultimate goal is to with just 50 members, it has grown to ti-corruption campaign account for the convert China into a modern socialist 89 million, with 4.5 million branches rapid development. country by 2050—one that is prosper- throughout China. It is the world’s At the congress Xi was re-elected ous, strong, culturally advanced, har- largest political party. as general secretary. Also this congress monious and beautiful. As Xi said at The 19th Congress of the CPC accepted his position as equivalent to the collective study session of the Po- was held in Beijing, beginning on Oct that of the great Chinese leaders Mao litical Bureau of the CPC Central Com- 18, 2017. At this gathering, delegates Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. He then mittee in Beijing on Dec 8, 2017: “At evaluated the work done over the past laid down the CPC’s future vision the present stage, the basic feature of five years and elected new leaders of and programs through 2050. The new China’s economic development is the the Party. Those new leaders will deliv- theme has been called “socialism with transition from a phase of rapid growth er the program that will carry the coun- Chinese characteristics for a new era”. to a stage of high-quality develop- try forward during the next five years. The basis for this new concept is Marx- ment.” At the congress Xi Jinping, gen- ism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Under the CPC’s new vision af- eral secretary of the Communist Party Deng Xiaoping Theory and Xi Jinping ter 2020, every Chinese product will of China Central Committee, presented Thought. The CPC’s aim is to arrive at be of high quality and eco friendly. an analytical description of the accom- this target in 30 years, and it has laid The human resources of the country plished over the past five years. China’s down the steps for achieving it. should also be developed. Fiscal con- economy has been transitioning from The first step is to turn China into trol should be brought to a sound level. high- to medium-speed growth in that a moderately prosperous society in all All of the country’s provinces should time. The average annual GDP growth aspects by 2020 (xiaokang in Chinese). be equally developed. China will ac- rate from 2013 to 2016 was 7.2 percent, The country plans to eradicate pov- celerate introducing new innovations to higher than the average rate 2.6 percent erty completely by 2020, ahead of the the world. In the past China introduced for the world economy and the 4 per- Party’s 100-year anniversary in 2021. many new innovations to the world— cent rate of the other developing coun- It has lifted nearly 800 million people gunpowder, paper, printing and the tries. China’s total GDP of 73.7 trillion out of poverty in the last four decades. compass, to name just a few. It is clear yuan ($11.2 trillion) in 2016 accounted During Xi Jinping’s most recent five that the Chinese people have the ability for 14.8 percent of the world economy. years of service, the country has man- to develop new innovations. The de- It is obvious that China has completed aged to eliminate poverty among 100 velopment of high-speed railways over a very successful five years. The initia- million people. The balance left is the last 10 years stands as testimony to

28 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018

this. Today the world’s most advanced Today, China speaks of the well- uphold its fundamental foreign policy high-speed train service is found in being of other friendly nations. The for maintaining world peace and pro- China. More than 24,000 kilometers are Belt and Road Initiative put forward by moting common development. served by high-speed trains traveling Xi in 2013 is a good example of this. I recall a statement by our former up to 350 kilometers per hour. In the Massive infrastructure development foreign minister, Laksman Kadirgamar, United States, high speed trains reach will take place in the countries that about the Sri Lanka-China relationship only 170 km/h. Today, China occupies come under this plan. It will make the when a bust of Chinese Premier Zhou the premier place in the production of economies of these countries stronger. Enlai was unveiled at the Bandara- high-speed trains, surpassing Canada, With that in mind, China created Silk naike Memorial International Confer- Germany, France and Japan. President Road Fund and Asian Infrastructure In- ence Hall in Colombo on April 9, 2005. Xi pointed out in his report delivered to vestment Bank. It has expanded freight Kadirgamar said: the 19th National Congress of the CPC train services to Europe in the past few “When a relationship is based on that innovation is the primary force years under the Belt and Road concept. mutual respect and affection, the size, driving development and the strategic As a result, Chinese goods arrive in importance and power of one of the underpinning for building a modern- European markets quickly and cheaper. two countries in that relationship does ized economy. At the same time, European goods also not have a disproportionate influence Xi, who rose to power in 2012, arrive in China faster. Countries such on the other. China has never sought has managed to create great discipline as Spain, Germany, Britain and Poland to influence the domestic politics of in the country. Even at the congress he enjoy the greatest benefits of this train Sri Lanka. Over the years China has stressed the importance of creating dis- service. Automobile makers Mercedes proved to be benign and sincere, with cipline within the Party and country. He Benz and BMW, which are considered no ulterior motives for befriending Sri pointed out that corruption is a great icons of the German motor industry, Lanka. She has never tried to dominate, hindrance to development and insisted send their products to China by train. undermine or destabilize Sri Lanka.” that government servants vigorously The Belt and Road Initiative will bring The leaders of China who as- investigate instances of misuse of State Scotch whisky—a symbol of national sumed office after the People’s Re- funds. Many officials have been in- pride in Britain—to the vast Chinese public of China was founded in 1949 vestigated on corruption charges since market by train. In addition, wine made formulated their policies for the well- 2012. in France, Spain and Italy now comes being of their people. They will defi- In June, for the first time in Chi- to Chinese market more quickly by nitely eradicate poverty by 2020.This nese history, the CPC completed in- rail. It has been proved beyond doubt is a message to the entire world, where spections, within a five year administra- that the Belt and Road Initiative has poverty is rampant in so many places. tive term, covering CPC organizations contributed immensely to the economic They have formulated policies that will at the provincial level, central CPC and development of China and other con- make every Chinese person happy and government organs, major State-owned nected countries. It also has contributed content and living in a good environ- enterprises, central financial institutions to strong friendly bonds between these ment by 2050. and universities. countries. In 2049 they will celebrate the It has coordinated workshops to In addition to domestic initiatives, centennial of the founding of the Peo- teach all officials how to carry out pub- the CPC Congress also reiterated Chi- ple’s Republic of China. By then, the lic service honorably. No one should na’s role in world peace and develop- Chinese people will be among the most earn anything in a dishonorable manner ment and emphasized the need to con- prosperous in the world. using his position. Any decision one tinue the path of peaceful development; takes should be in the interest of the hold the banner of peace, development, The author is vice-president of country. cooperation and mutual benefit; and Sri Lanka China Society.

29 Forum and Exhibition

Chinese breeze blows over the Rhine

Sun Yajing

here is a beautiful city in T southwestern Germany, lying on the southern bank of the Rhine River, which has flowed quietly nearby since ancient times. The city was the hometown of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of modern typography, as well as of an excellent Bundesliga soccer team. It features a combination of ancient flavor and modern fashion, with not only time-honored churches and places of historic interest but also a modern city hall and five-star hotels. Zhang Yongxin, a paper-cutting artist, with children at a local Chinese language school The city is Mainz, the capital of Rheinland-Pfalz state. by his enthusiasm, friendliness and was a bit lethargic because of jet lag. In October, I had the honor of directness, which made me feel as if we Seeing the energetic Lao Ka, I couldn’t joining a delegation of the Chinese were old friends reunited after many help but doubt that he was 71 years old. People’s Association for Friendship years of separation. Besides Karst, we also had the with Foreign Countries on a visit to Lao Ka is now the president of company of Udo Lühring, who was Mainz for the Exhibition of Selected the Federation of Germany-China also with the federation. He is an Chinese Folk Art Works. Exhibits Friendship Associations. Before this affable man who loves the Chinese included Chinese paper-cuttings, position, he had been working as the tea culture. In past years, he traveled shadow puppets and New Year’s managing director of Villa Musica to different parts of China visiting tea paintings. For better exhibition effects, Rheinland-Pfalz. In both capacities plantations. The flavor of tea added we also invited artists from China’s he showed his affection for China and to his understanding and fondness Gansu province—a paper-cutter and a Chinese culture and contributed greatly for China. During our visit there, shadow puppeteer. to Sino-German cultural exchanges. To Udo patiently explained the history improve publicity for the exhibition, and cultural background of Mainz Foreign faces, Chinese hearts he took part in designing and printing and shared his knowledge of tea. As Kurt Karst, our coordinator in the brochures, and distributed them to I saw it, Udo was a typical German Germany, is CPAFFC’s old friend. He members of the federation for further craftsman—earnest, meticulous and has a nickname, Lao Ka (short for Old promotion. In addition, he volunteered dedicated. Karst in Chinese), which he likes very to be our driver, escorting us to Art knows no boundaries much. It was my first meeting with Lao different venues for performances. Ka. On seeing him, I was embraced During the first few days of the visit, I On Oct 15, the German stop of

30 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018

Exhibition of Selected Chinese Folk behind a desk making shadow puppets. the viewers of our performances were Art Works opened in the Mainz Landes The audience was amazed to see him Chinese-German kids accompanied by museum. At the opening ceremony, use a knife to make figures, one after their parents. I wasn’t a performer, so the lecture hall on the first floor of the another, out of translucent ox hide with I had the opportunity to see how these museum was packed with audience deft carving and hammering. Every children and their parents interacted members. Besides the secretary of the time Yang sang the shadow-puppet with the two Chinese folk artists. I saw state Ministry of Culture and the director- opera in a local dialect, the audience a father intently reading The Yellow general of Generaldirektion Kulturelles responded with warm applause. Storm by the legendary Chinese writer Erbe Rheinland-Pfalz and other guests, Seeing this, I realized the meaning Lao She; I saw a couple encouraging most spectators came after learning about of “Art knows no boundaries”. their child to converse in Chinese the exhibition through publicity activities. My Chinese heart with the folk artists; I saw a mother After the opening ceremony, the guests of proudly shooting photos of her child, honor and other visitors went to view the During our stay in Germany, who was learning how to make shadow exhibits on the second floor. At the center we also visited two Chinese schools, puppets. For a while, I felt as if I were of the exhibition hall, the two Chinese in Mainz and Darmstadt, for folk- folk artists’ performance areas were art performances. We noticed that the at a parent-child party in a Chinese surrounded by curious viewers. When number of Chinese living in Germany classroom. It struck me at that moment Zhang Yongxin, the paper-cutting artist, is growing. In restaurants, we often that whether or not they still had cut a piece of red paper into a butterfly met Chinese who had married Germans Chinese nationality, and no matter how instantly with a pair of scissors, warm and became rooted in that country. long they had been away from China, applause broke out from the audience. At Whenever they had eye contact with us, their attachment to China and Chinese the next table, Yang Dengyi, the shadow they offered a friendly and expressive culture had never changed. puppet performer, attracted the audience smile or even came over for a chat. How time flies. It was soon the as soon as he began to sing a selection At a performance in the Mainz time for us to leave Germany for home. from a puppetry opera. The audience Museum, we met a woman surnamed Sitting inside the plane, I watched from watched intently as Yang controlled the Huang who was born in Hong Kong. a window as the sky darkened and movements of a puppet with two sticks. Many years ago, she met her German thought of a poem written by Goethe They were enchanted by the exotic husband, fell in love and followed in his late life—Chinesisch-deutsche melody, even though they couldn’t him to Germany. They heard about the Tages und Jahreszeite (literally understand the words of the ballad. Chinese folk art exhibition and then meaning Chinese-German Days and After the opening ceremony, we drove here to have a look. Though she Seasons). “Tiles, windows, pillars, all gave two more performances at the hadn’t been back to China for years, have been shade-covered; but no matter museum. The size of the audience that she apparently had kept her love for where to peep, I still see the Oriental came to watch beat our expectations. Chinese culture. Knowing that there Paradise”. That’s Goethe’s yearnings Once, a silver-haired woman told me would be more performances in local and love for China 200 years ago. Now, that she hoped Mr Zhang would make Chinese schools, she said she would some paper butterflies and swallows for come again. And sure enough, when we given the Belt and Road Initiative, her. She said she wanted to paste the went to the Anhua Chinese School in we have every reason to believe that exquisite paper-cuttings on postcards to Mainz, the couple were there waiting. more cultural exchanges can be carried be sent to friends. When Zhang handed It was in the Chinese schools that out to facilitate the German people’s the vivid paper-cuttings to her, she put we learned how large the number of understanding and fondness for the them carefully in a book, as if they Chinese living in Germany was and vast oriental land of happiness. And a were her most precious valuables. Yang how profound an attachment they have warmer Chinese breeze can be felt on was a quiet man, always seen sitting to China and Chinese culture. Most of the banks of the Rhine.

31 Forum and Exhibition

All the way to the west

Liu Jiayun

ack in the Tang Dynasty, the Silk B Road extended eastward to Japan, making it the east end of the transcontinental route for exchanges of people and commodities. In September, with the opportunity presented by the China-Japan Silk Road Calligraphy and Seal-Cutting Exhibition, we took 11 professional and amateur calligraphers and seal-cutting artists, all older than 60 years, on a trip to Gansu province to savor the ancient road.

Calligraphy in China and Japan Fragrant grass and desert near Crescent Lake at dusk This year’s China-Japan Silk Road Calligraphy and Seal-Cutting Exhibition was jointly presented by reflected the Japanese artists’ remote exhibits like primary school pupils— the Chinese People’s Association for but favorable impression of Gansu and innocent and devoted, ready to express Friendship with Foreign Countries; the Silk Road. admiration for any work they enjoyed. Gansu People’s Association for Little as I knew about calligraphy Nanen Kitamuro, head of the Friendship with Foreign Countries; and seal-cutting, the passion and Japanese delegation, has been a friend Dingxi Municipal People’s earnestness these artists and amateurs of the CPAFFC for more than 20 Government; Ishikawa-ken Japan- demonstrated for the art deeply touched years, devoted to co-hosting a series of China Friendship Association; and me. After the opening ceremony on exhibitions annually. Past exhibitions Hokushi Tenkai, a Japanese calligraphy the morning of Sept 26, the Japanese embraced themes like the Western Xia and seal-cutting arts association, guests began to view the exhibition, Kingdom’s characters, ancient written following a similar display held last observing each work hung on the wall languages of minority ethnic groups, year in Japan. The exhibits consisted with great relish. They seemed to be ancient Chinese characters, characters of nearly 200 works that had been more immersed in carefully studying of surnames and the culture of the collected by Dingxi and Hokushi the calligraphy techniques than merely Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, Tenkai. Exhibits from Japan included taking pleasure in art. Though some of among others, which, as I see them, Xixia characters’ calligraphy and seal- them were veteran artists themselves are more than fascinating. For cutting and poetry of Wang Wei, Chen whose own works are good enough Kitamuro, these are treasures with great Zi’ang and Wang Zhihuan. It also to be displayed, they studied the familiarity. The theme of the latest

32 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018

exhibition—"Silk Road"—is more than a recent hot topic but rather suggests a dream shared by many people of the older generation in Japan. As early as in the late 1950s, the renowned Japanese writer Yasushi Inoue wrote two books about northwest China. After their publication, Tun- huang and Lou-lan soon became best- sellers in Japan. His lyrical description of the mysterious northwestern part of China aroused great interest among his contemporaries, who developed a yearning for a look of the region. And his passion for Chinese culture gently caressed the hearts of a generation of Japanese artists and amateurs view exhibited Japanese like the soft, fine sand of the works Silk Road. exhibition so that they could have a most precious memory this trip for Silk Road anciently and today chance to appreciate the ancient Huaxia him. After winding up the activities in civilization. Yet because of age or The day before the trip ended, Lanzhou, we embarked on a journey physical condition some of them had to we went sightseeing at the famous withdraw with tears of regret. to the west, following the ancient Silk Crescent Lake and didn’t return to the Road, to learn about local practices and Scenery, food, history— hotel until the evening. After dinner, customs. everything along the way was the Japanese artists were so excited The average age of the Japanese intriguing. At Maiji Mountain, the about what they had seen during the artists was 68, the oldest being 76. artists took steps steadily upward Before we set out, I worried that the to worship Buddha statues that had day that they sang Desert Under the weather and geographic conditions born a thousand years of exposure Moon, a well-known Japanese nursery in northwest China might not be to the weather. At Jiayu Pass, they rhyme composed by a Japanese poet in agreeable, but to my surprise, none of looked with great interest at the 1923. Someone played a harmonica to them complained or gave up, despite lonely buildings on the vast expanse accompany the chorus. the harsh environment of mountains, of desert. At Mogao Grottoes, they “On the desert under the moon deserts, scorching sun and unbearable closely followed their guide, attentively comes from afar a pair of camels. listening to him telling stories about aridity. On the contrary, what drew Riding on the leading camel is the them to the place was exactly the the artworks that had been kept there prince, while on the following one desolate desert and oasis they had for thousands of years. As the buses is the princess—both in white. They never seen before, and the wildness and traversed the Gobi desert, an old artist trudge straight forward. Where are grandeur they had never experienced. used his pencil to sketch scenery along Kitamuro told me that when she told the road. Though the drawings were you two going? In the night with dim their members about this Gansu trip rather simple, they looked truer to the moonlight, a couple of camels are several months ago, they all were very landscape than photographs. An album trudging forward, crossing sand dunes excited and eager to sign up for the of paintings, I thought, would be the in quietness.”

33 Cultural Exchanges

Mystery of Terracotta Warriors attracts Romanian TV viewers

Luo Dongquan

n Oct 1, 2017, Mystery of warriors (formally known as Emperor more Romanian friends to come to O Terracotta Warriors aired on Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum museum), visit, do business or go to school. May Channel 1 of Romania’s state Banpo Museum and the Grand Mosque the friendship between the Chinese and television, introducing the in Xi’an. They also recorded Shaanxi Romanian peoples last forever.” achievements that China’s Shaaxi Television Station, Airport New City in Almasan and her cameraman province and the city of Xi’an had Xixian New Area, Shaanxi Automobile were impressed by Shaanxi’s ancient made in conserving historic heritages Group, Yangling Farm-Tech Demon- civilization and the prosperity of Xi’an and developing the economy, tourism, stration Zone, Northwest University, and the development of its new satel- education and culture, as well as Qujiang Film & TV Center, Great Tang lite towns, and were deeply touched by changes that had taken place in society, West Market and Tang Paradise, which the hospitality of the local people. With urban appearance and people’s lives. represent the economic, technological great enthusiasm, unique perspectives Shaanxi, especially its capital, Xi’an, and cultural development of Shaanxi and high efficiency, they completed was the starting point of the ancient province. editing of more than 20 hours of mate- Silk Road and a birthplace of Chinese The Romanian guests were invit- rial within a month after returning to civilization. The film has aroused much ed to watch a Qinqiang Opera perfor- Romania. State television presented the attention and received active responses mance at Yisushe Theatre, and attend 50-minute documentary to the audience in the Romanian audience. an evening gala for Chinese Valentine’s in tribute to the 68th anniversary of the It starts with an interview of Xiao Day held by Shaanxi Television Sta- founding of the People’s Republic of Yunru, an erudite scholar who has long tion, where Almasan interviewed well- China. been devoted to studying the Silk Road known singers Wang Jianfang, Sha sha, Narration in the documentary culture and acted as the image ambas- and Hao Meng, accompanied by Xiao. was brief, lively and humorous, match- sador of local culture. Xiao, standing The film recorded the beautiful night ing well the beautiful and clean shots outside the south gate of the Xi’an city scenes of Xi’an, dazzling small com- and background music to highlight the wall, told the Romanian guests stories modities market and stalls selling local theme. After the broadcast, the film re- of the region’s long history and splen- snacks, as well as the happy faces of ceived a warm response. did culture, as well as the great changes senior citizens and graceful plaza danc- On the evening of its premiere, that have come to the city in recent es. Romulus Budura, a former Romanian years. He invited Marina Almasan, the At the end of the film, Zhuang ambassador to China, and his wife, interviewer, to tour the city on a shared Changxing, director of the Public- Anna Budura, sinologist and historian, bicycle. ity Department and member of the wrote in an email to the film’s produc- The Romanians made videos of Standing Committee of the Shaanxi er: well-known historic sites, including Committee of the Communist Party “The documentary brought us the Shaanxi History Museum, Daci’en of China, said: “Shaanxi is a beauti- great pleasure and satisfaction by show- Temple, Forest of Steles, terracotta ful and hospitable place. We welcome ing the urban landscape of Xi’an, a city

34 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018 of both ancient traditions and modern Foreign Countries, she came to China the old pagoda which has been standing developments. We felt as if we were in 2015 for a 10-day visit to Shanghai there for thousands of years, and a bird- falling into a mysterious world, but we that resulted in the book Skyscrapers in eye view of the city from the top floor knew what was shown about Xi’an and Shanghai. In September 2016, she vis- of the TV Tower, the highest build- Shaanxi was real and true. We’ve been ited Beijing for a 10-day shooting tour ing in the city. I meditated in temples; there several times and have paid atten- at the invitation of the State Admin- got in a heavy-duty truck of the latest tion to its development. Thus we were istration of Press, Publication, Radio, design; saw pumpkins and peppers glad to have seen the new 21stcentury Film and Television. After returning to growing on trees and dangling in the appearance of the place. Congratula- Romania, she produced the TV show air; talked with overseas students on a tions on the achievements there and on Mystic China, which was broadcast on university campus as big as a district your successful work.” Oct 1. in Bucharest; tasted local cuisine of The well-known Romanian poet Her articles and films were made varied flavors endowed by the nature; Lucian, who was also director of the in the form of travelogues, faithfully visited the modern-equipped Shaanxi Lasi Press, wrote in his email sent in on and vividly recording what she saw and TV station which made me wonder if the following day: heard in real time, which won hearty some day my TV station could be like “The leading role in the film was acclaim from audiences. this; meandered in a bookstore as big played by light—the happy light in Almasan worked with high effi- as a mall; and interviewed many local people’s eyes, the brilliant light of an- ciency in conducting interviews in Chi- celebrities. cient history, the dazzling light of local na. After a day’s shooting, she seized “What I saw and heard during the development, the flickering light of the every available moment in the evening 10 days almost made me forget to re- urban night. The theme was joy—the to write a diary-style report about what turn home, not to mention all the won- joy of perfection, the joy of hospitality, she visited and saw during the day and derful friends I made there. They were the joy of real and close unity against mailed it back to Romania to be pub- very much interested in the stories I exaggeration. The tone of the film is lished in her online magazine, Wom- told them about my own country, and the color green—on the historic statues, en’s Charm. Every article was more eager to forge closer relations with the in the streets, in the fields, gardens, and than 2,000 words. She even managed Romanian people. How wonderful! parks.” to complete her last piece in the series “May I conclude my trip by say- Almasan, the TV host and pro- (the 11th) on her flight back to Roma- ing this: There is a land of mystery in ducer, together with TV cameraman, nia. In this article, which explored her the East, 8,000 kilometers from Roma- Marian Grigore, visited Shaanxi and feelings about Shaanxi, Almasan wrote: nia, where the people are eager to be- Xi’an from Aug 22 to Sept1, 2017, at “During the last 10 days, I passed come our friends and hope to establish the invitation of the Chinese People’s by innumerable residential and office a relationship of mutually beneficial Association for Friendship with For- buildings, traveled on wide and modern cooperation.” eign Countries and Shaanxi People’s highways, visited terracotta warriors At the end of each episode, the Association for Friendship with For- known as the 8th Wonder of the World, film acknowledged the help provided eign Countries. as well as many other eye-opening mu- by the Chinese embassy in Romania, Friendly to China, Almasan has seums, and walked on the ancient city the Chinese People’s Association for told many of its stories to the Roma- walls. Friendship with Foreign Countries and nian people with her pen and through “In modern shopping malls, I the Shaanxi People’s Association for the lens. In 2014, she came to China at could feel the pulse of the people’s Friendship with Foreign Countries. her own expense and later published fashionable life. In theaters, I watched the book Ten Days in Beijing. Invited actors singing and dancing in a totally The author is the vice-president by the CPAFFC and the Shanghai Peo- different style from the stages in Eu- of China-Romania Friendship Asso- ple’s Association for Friendship with rope. My partner and I took a shot of ciation.

35 Cultural Exchanges

Linking past and present through fashion and art

Yu Xiaodong

he curtain rises to the sound of a Meng Na Devi, ambassador of Malawi T magnificent symphony, and a vast to China; Li Miaoguang, ambassador expanse of desert appears on the of Mauritius to China; and diplomatic backdrop. Several young students are envoys from Vietnam, Japan, trekking along the Silk Road, Singapore, Kyrgyzstan, Cameroon, investigating local folk art. The Gabon, Armenia, Namibia, Liberia, vigorous youths, shocked and moved Somalia, the Central African Republic, by what they have seen at historical Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and sites, express their admiration for both Congo (Brazzaville); representatives the ancient and modern roads as the from relevant Chinese government Stage play, Silk Road and Youth, at theme song is sung in chorus, departments; and college teachers and the Great Hall of the People in accompanied by the orchestra. students. Beijing On Nov 24, a large-scale stage The play was created as an ode to Silk Road spirit is practiced, people of play—Silk Road and Youth—was the grand Belt and Road Initiative. For different races, religions and cultural staged at the Great Hall of the People thousands of years, different cultures backgrounds can share peace and in Beijing. The play was sponsored by on the ancient Silk Road shared common development. Today, as we the Chinese People’s Association for radiance and beauty as they interacted are engaged in the construction of the Friendship with Foreign Countries and with one another, giving birth to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st the Education Department of Liaoning “Silk Road spirit” of peace, openness, Century Maritime Silk Road, we need province with the support of the China inclusiveness, mutual trust and mutual to carry on such traditions as peaceful Friendship Art Exchange Association, benefit, which has won admiration cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, the Publicity Department of the CPC across the world. The concept has mutual learning and mutual benefit. Dalian Committee, Dalian Jinpu New developed to include new dimensions. Promoting the Belt and Road helps Area CPC Working Committee, Dalian As a legacy of collisions and exchanges meet China’s need for greater Literature & Art Association and between different civilizations, communication and cooperation with Dalian Art College. the spirit of the Silk Road is not the rest of the world. The 6,000-strong audience exclusively Chinese. It has always been The Silk Road represents the included Chen Zhili, vice-chair of the commonwealth of the mankind. The glorious past of the Chinese nation. the Standing Committee of the 11th Silk Road is not only a road for trade The focus on youth aims at the nation’s National People’s Congress; Li Yi, but also one for culture and innovation. rejuvenation and future development. Party secretary of China Federation of The core concept of the Belt and The drama Silk Road and Youth tells Literature; Hu Sishe, vice-president of Road Initiative is to inherit and carry the stories of Zhang Qian’s diplomatic the CPAFFC; Zheng Fuzhi, assistant forward the spirit of the ancient Silk mission to the Western Regions during minister of education; Akram Zeynalli, Road. Its history of more than 2,000 the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) and ambassador of Azerbaijan to China; years has proved that as long as the Zheng He’s voyage to South Seas and

36 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018

Africa during the Ming Dynasty (1368- 1644). The play showcases artistic and literary elements of different regions, countries and nationalities through music, dance, poetry recitation and For Greece-China friendship drama. The play was smartly conceived Wang Runke to convey a lofty and inspiring theme through the narration of grand stories with rich cultural connotations. In a beautiful and youthful stage setting, it offered the audience an audio and visual feast fusing the historical with the modern and the East with the West. Among the performances, Music and Dance of the Prosperous Tang Dynasty was as graceful as fairies flying gently; Long Nails Dance of Thailand and Foot Bell Dance of Bengal brought an exotic flavor; the Vassilis Xiros, consul-general of Greece in Shanghai improvisational dance Zheng He’s Voyage to the West was spectacular; met Consul-General Vassilis was the father of Vassilis Xiros. On Desk Dance was full of youthful vigor; I Xiros (Chinese name 习落实 Xi March 15, the day of the evacuation, and the little drama My Father Far Luoshi) at the Greek National he drove to escort our motorcade to Away from Me was affectionate and Day reception in Shanghai held by the Durres from Tirana. We encountered touching. Consulate General of the Hellenic sniper fire on our way, and the rear After the performance, experts Republic in March last year. I was window was shot through by a bullet. and scholars from Peking University, impressed by the young, handsome and Fortunately, no one was injured and we Central University for Nationalities, energetic diplomat. arrived at Durres safely. We expressed Central Academy of Drama, Central My trip to Shanghai this time was our sincere thanks to the Greek officer, related to an event I experienced 20 Conservatory of Music, Beijing praising his bravery. years ago, when I was working at the Normal University and China Academy Vassilis Xiros, who was a teenager Chinese embassy in Albania. At that of Social Sciences had an academic at that time, developed a strong interest time, a civil riot broke out, triggered by discussion on Silk Road and Youth. in China after he was told the details of a fundraising scam in Albania, and the The experts spoke highly of the Chinese evacuation by his father. embassy organized the evacuation of the play’s artistic ingenuity and the During our meeting in Shanghai, nationals immediately. On our request strong political, social and cultural the younger Xiros recalled what his for help, the Greek Ministry of National responsibilities embodied in the drama. father had said about the event—that Defense sent three warships to evacuate They also offered many valuable Chinese to Greece’s Corfu Island. The he had been deeply impressed by the suggestions for improvement. They person in charge of the evacuation was discipline and organization the Chinese hoped the drama could be refined and Alexandros Xiros, the military attache demonstrated during the evacuation. be shown on a larger world stage to of the Greek embassy in Albania. He There were no casualties despite all the propagate Chinese culture. difficulties and dangers. Everything

37 Cultural Exchanges went smoothly. In 2003, the elder Xiros died in a traffic accident while visiting Romania in the capacity of president of the Hellenic Military Academy. Chinese lanterns light up The younger Xiros was influenced by his father and developed an interest in China and has closely followed winter town in France developments ever since. He was Kang Jingyuan particularly interested in ancient China and read several books on Chinese history. He said that China played an n Nov 30, 2017, the Chinese important role in global history and O Lantern Festival celebration noted its world-influencing economy. began at Foucaud Park in Gaillac, a After becoming consul-general in small town in southwestern France. Shanghai, he became interested in the The event, jointly sponsored by the modern history of China, saying he Chinese People’s Association for hoped to read more Chinese books Friendship with Foreign Countries and after work to learn more about its the Zigong Municipal People’s contemporary developments. He also Government and Gaillac City Hall— made painstaking efforts to learn and operated by Zigong Lantern Chinese. He has greatly improved Group—proved to be a great success. The Chinese Lantern Festival celebration at Foucaud Park in his Chinese proficiency in the past CPAFFC Vice-President Song Gaillac, France year, and is able to conduct simple Jingwu, Chinese Consul-General Zhu conversations in Chinese now. Liying in Marseille, Chairman Huang relationship and a peaceful world, as In May 2017, the Year of China- Dechun of Zigong Lantern Group, well as a desire to build a community Greece Cultural Exchanges and Chief Executive Christophe Ramond of of shared future for all humankind.” Cooperation year, the Greek prime the French province of Tarn and Mayor The Chinese Lantern Festival in minister and his team came to China Patrice Gausserand of Gaillac attended Gaillac was a substantive move taken to participate in the Belt and Road and addressed the opening ceremony. by Zigong and Gaillac to implement Forum for International Cooperation. In his speech, Song said that their agreement on cooperation, after Vassilis Xiros said that he has been amity between people holds the key they were introduced to one another working hard to boost the bilateral to sound relations between states, and by the CPAFFC. The largest event relationship in trade, investment, that amity stems from the connection of its kind ever held in Europe, the tourism, education and culture, and will of people’s hearts, which is mostly Chinese lantern show—which ran especially promote cultural exchanges. embodied in cultural exchanges. from Dec 1 to Jan 31—covered an area At the Greek National Day reception, He noted that China and France are of 120 acres. More than 500 lanterns he joined the Chinese band for an cultural giants in their hemispheres, and in 35 varieties were displayed under impromptu performance of Greek their cultural exchanges have continued themes of traditional Chinese culture music, demonstrating his musical talent. for centuries. Both peoples, Song said, and Gaillac’s history and wine, which He said the work in Shanghai has been cherish their cultural traditions, and matched each other in interest. the most enjoyable part of his life. We both are openhearted and have mutual A team of 40 engineers from believe that Consul-General Xiros will respect. “We hope that the lanterns will Zigong completed the huge installation help push the Sino-Greek friendship to convey the Chinese people’s wishes in only three months, winning respect a higher level. for a happy life, a better China-France from the French side for “China

38 Between Friendship Cities speed” and “China quality”. Each piece of the final lighting was a delicate masterpiece. On the opening evening, a set of towering lanterns modeled after Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, and another featuring pandas with bamboo, From where we started were lighted at Mayor Gausserand’s “start off” command. Exclamations and Huang Yajing applause broke out as the fantastic scene appeared outside the floor-to-ceiling window of the hall. Many media outlets from both China and France covered the event, and Television Francais 1 interviewed Vice-President Song. For Gaillac, a town of less than 20,000 population, the lantern show was a grand festival and a hot topic of town talk. Streets decorated with Chinese lanterns appeared beaming and joyful. The winter turned warm, with lanterns and light boxes appearing everywhere. Gausserand was proud of his “big decision”. Earlier in 2017, he The college student delegation of the Shaolin Boxing had visited Zigong and watched the Federation visited Shaolin Temple. lantern festival there at the invitation he year 2017 marked the 45th world. It is influential in political and of the CPAFFC. He was impressed by T anniversary of the normalization financial sectors, as well as with the its scale and richness. He then made of diplomatic relations between China royal family in Japan and has set up the decision to hold a festival like this and Japan. Both countries carried out a branches in significant organizations back in his town for five consecutive variety of friendly exchanges. On Aug such as Japan Junior Sports Clubs, the years. During the construction of the 31, So Yuki (Zong Yougui), president Japanese Higher Education Union, display in Gaillac, the busy mayor of Japan’s Shorinji Kempo Group, Japanese College Union, Japanese managed to find time every day to visit together with a delegation of 72 Industry League and Japan’s Self- the work site as the blueprint became a undergraduates, paid a two-day visit to Defense Forces Union. A number reality. When asked about the number Henan province. A series of friendly of distinguished politicians used to of visitors, he said he expected the total exchange activities was conducted at be members of the group, including to surpass 200,000, more than a dozen Zhengzhou University. the former Japanese prime ministers times Gaillac’s population. Shorinji Kempo Group was Masayoshi Ohira and Keizo Obuchi. The festival was a great success. founded in 1947 by So Doshin (Zong As a visiting professor from The lighting of lanterns represented Daochen), and inherited by his Zhengzhou University and a winner the Chinese people’s best wishes to the daughter So Yuki (Zong Yougui) after of the Henan Yellow River Friendship French people. It would also serve as a his death. With 1.9 million registered Award and the National Friendship prelude to the China-Europe Tourism members, the group currently has 2,900 Award in Henan province, Ms So Yuki Year of 2018. branches in 29 countries around the has been actively engaged in promoting

39 Between Friendship Cities exchanges between the young people In 1995, the 1,500th anniversary of receive about China from Japanese of the two countries for many years. the construction of Shaolin Temple, TV, internet and media outlets can She brought a number of student So Yuki led a delegation there for be. Talking to their Chinese peers, delegations to Henan for diverse and congratulations, and donated 15 million combined with what they heard fruitful activities interacting with yen for repairing the Drum Tower. She and saw firsthand, enabled them to Zhengzhou University and Zhengzhou also raised funds four times to support develop a new and more in-depth Huimin Middle School. the restoration of the temple’s White understanding of China. “The biggest Shorinji Kempo Group has Hall frescoes and other cultural relics. misunderstanding is not to know at donated more than 34,000 Japanese Moreover, in 2006, the group donated all”. They hoped they could share what books to Zhengzhou University to 6 million yen for building Dengfeng they had seen and felt about the real set up the Zong Daochen Library in Shaolin Hope Primary School. China with their friends back in Japan support of the university’s teaching Over the years, by promoting and keep close contact with their new of the Japanese language. In 2015, So mutual visits between young people Chinese friends. Yuki led a delegation of 91 college and furthering exchanges in martial China and Japan are separated students to attend the ribbon-cutting arts, culture and sports—as well as only by a narrow strip of water. The two ceremony of the library, and carried education and other activities—the peoples have long learned from each out exchanges with teachers and group has been proactively carrying other. They have not only promoted students from the university’s Japanese forward the spirit of peace and the development of their own countries department. In 2016, 72 Japanese high fostering inheritors of people-to-people but jointly contributed to the common school students visited Zhengzhou friendship. Its efforts have enabled prosperity and civilization of Asia Huimin Middle School to experience more youngsters to be involved in the and the world. Mr So Doshin, founder Chinese students’ school life, learn cause of Sino-Japanese friendship, of Shorinji Kempo Group, always about China Central Plains culture, functioning as a bridge facilitating believed that “without China-Japan handicrafts and local dancing. They friendly exchanges between China and friendship, there would be no peace in were also paired with Zhengzhou Japan. Asia, and without peace in Asia, there Huimin Middle School students and President Xi Jinping once would be no peace in the world.” So lived at their homes for one night said: “The key to sound relations Yuki has been adhering to her father’s to experience the real family life of between states lies in affinity between idea and playing an active role as a Chinese students. their peoples, which largely stems bridge in the continuous promotion Compared with all the exchanges from mutual understanding.” The of friendly exchanges between China between Henan and Shorinji Kempo achievements of friendly exchanges and Japan and in the enhancement of Group, the friendly exchanges between between Henan and Shorinji Kempo understanding and friendship between youngsters are only the tip of the Group fully attest to the truth of this. the two peoples. iceberg. Since its establishment in 1947, Through frequent people-to-people In the future, Henan will continue the group has regarded Shaolin Temple exchanges, mutual understanding to work with Shorinji Kempo Group as as its “ancestral court” and “hometown has been enhanced, friendship has well as other friendly organizations of the mind”, and admires the Shaolin been strengthened and state relations from Japan to carry out all-around martial arts and the time-honored have been improved. With their friendly exchanges. We will promote culture of Henan. This is why the group visits to Henan, Japanese youngsters cultural and youth exchanges and foster values very much the friendship with have gained a more comprehensive friendship between young people. We Henan and Shaolin Temple and has understanding of the development will better present China and Henan to visited Henan almost every year since and potential opportunities of Henan. the world. We believe that the story of the 1980s. The group has also provided They’ve come to realize how subjective Henan with Shorinji Kempo Group will financial support to Shaolin Temple. and one-sided the information they be continued.

40 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018

Three Kingdoms culture boosts Xuchang’s cooperation with international sister cities

Yang Junge

ulture is a bridge linking people’s Dynasty Emperor Xian (181-234) to performances and visits to historical C hearts, and a bond to help deepen what is now Xuchang, leaving myriad sites were organized to strengthen understanding and trust between magnificent historical stories in this cultural exchanges between sister cities. countries. In its efforts to foster ties land and making Xuchang the political, During the period, Xuchang received with international sister cities, Xuchang economic and cultural center of delegations from Ulsan’s Central is fully aware of the unique role of northern China of the time. Therefore, District (Jung District) of the Republic culture in communication with foreign there is a unique Cao Wei cultural of Korea, Smolyan Municipality counterparts, and thus actively practices heritage and a large number of Three of Bulgaria and Hesse, Germany. A the idea of influencing people, Kingdoms-related historical relics number of evening galas were also promoting friendship and building trust and scenic spots in Xuchang. Chinese held on these occasions for cultural through cultural exchanges. writer and poet Guo Moruo once said: exchanges. Xuchang organized the 9th As one of the cradles of the “I was eager to go to Xuchang every Henan & Gyeongsangbuk-do Painting Three Kingdoms culture, Xuchang has time I heard a story about the Three and Calligraphy Art Exhibition, co- presented Three Kingdoms Culture Kingdoms.” This reflects the charming sponsored by Henan province and its Tourism Week annually since 2007. history and culture of the Three sister province Gyeongsangbuk-do. Eleven sessions have been successfully Kingdoms. Xuchang is clearly most Three Kingdoms culture enjoys held so far, with the event becoming authoritative when it comes to the study wide popularity and influence in the an important platform for Xuchang of Emperor Cao Cao’s Wei Kingdom Republic of Korea, which creates a to develop international sister city (or “Cao Wei culture”, as historians call natural bond between Xuchang and relations and further its opening-up it). Of China’s total 300 cultural relics its South Korean sister city, Central to the world. Xuchang, renowned for from the Three Kingdoms period, 80 District (Jung District), Ulsan. Since its its pivotal position during the Three are located in Xuchang. introduction into Korea, Romance of Kingdoms period, has attracted foreign Since 2013, official delegations the Three Kingdoms has been popular friends from all over the world to of sister cities and folk art groups have among Korean readers and has been marvel at its historical heritage and been invited to attend the annual Three translated and rewritten into 10 or 20 modern prosperity. Kingdoms Culture Tourism Week, different Korean versions, with its Located in China’s Central which serves as a good opportunity to sales reaching 100,000 sets. Romance Plain, Xuchang was an early cradle enhance understanding of the city’s of the Three Kingdoms has become the of Chinese civilization. In AD 196, Three Kingdoms culture and current object of study for many scholars and northern warlord Cao Cao and his son development. A series of activities, material to emulate for literati and folk moved the imperial court and Han including official meetings, joint artists. Xuchang has actively carried out

41 Between Friendship Cities friendly exchanges with Central District (Jung District), Ulsan, by making use of its unique advantage—home to the Three Kingdoms culture. In 2015 and Bridge people and 2016, at the invitation of Xuchang Municipal People’s Government, the district sent two delegations to inherit friendship participate in Three Kingdoms Culture Wang Hui Tourism Week. The delegations visited tourist attractions of Three Kingdoms culture with great interest, including the Baling Bridge, where Guan Yu, a general serving under warlord Liu Bei during the Three Kingdoms period sealed up all the gifts he received from Cao Cao and rejected his invitation to serve him. There was also the Spring and Autumn building, where Guan Yu read books throughout night by candlelight, and Cao Cao’s residence, from which military affairs were directed. The delegation spoke highly of Xuchang’s rich Three Kingdoms The delegation of students from Anyang, Henan province, to cultural heritage and earnestly hoped Lethbridge, Canada to learn more about the ancient city’s culture, cityscape and development he City of Lethbridge is the for government communication, social experience. T fourth-largest city of Alberta, security training and exchanges of uni- Having made excellent Canada. Located at the foot of the versity teachers and students. In recent Rocky Mountains, it boasts a vast years, they have launched a number achievements in history, Xuchang has prairie, magnificent mountains and of cooperative projects of regular and now released new vigor and vitality in rivers and beautiful valleys. The time- institutional nature in a bid to make the great cause of building socialism honored city of Lethbridge is home to the bilateral relations everlasting on a with Chinese characteristics in the numerous indigenous people. With a people-to-people basis. new era. Xuchang will continue to convenient and well-developed traffic explore more ways to take advantage Students’ study tour passes system comprising roads, railways and friendship along of its cultural heritage and further air transportation, it is famous in its opening-up to the outside world Alberta and even across Canada as a President Xi Jinping emphasized through cultural exchanges, thus business and investment hub. in a speech, delivered at the China In- seeking more fruitful cooperation In May 2005, Anyang, Henan ternational Friendship Conference in with sister cities and making more province, formally established an In- commemoration of 60th Anniversary contributions to overall national ternational Sister Cities relationship of the CPAFFC, that in our relations diplomacy and its local economic and with Lethbridge. Since then, the two with foreign countries we should treat social development. cities have had frequent mutual visits them with sincerity and genuine feeling

42 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018 so that the Chinese and foreign people mote in-depth exchanges and coopera- the Anyang students’ English language can get closer to each other, be more tion in economy, trade and education. ability and broadened their horizons but friendly with each other, have better Teresa Loewen, executive director of also built a bridge for mutual under- common understanding and be more the International Service Department standing between citizens of Anyang mutually supportive. He said special of Lethbridge School District No 51, and the city of Lethbridge. As the first efforts should be made to encourage visited Anyang in December 2016 and project for establishing routine and in- and facilitate exchanges between Chi- March 2017 for implementation of the stitutional cooperation between Anyang nese and foreign youths, as they will be sister schools agreement. and Lethbridge, the study tour camp of the successors to the cause of people- In recent years, Anyang has con- middle school students is expected to to-people friendship. Exchanges by ducted numerous student exchanges pass along to the next generation the teenagers of Chinese and foreign cities, with South Korea, Japan and France. friendly relations between the two cit- especially International Sister Cities, The activities not only helped both ies. are of great significance in establish- sides’ youths broaden their horizons Travel in sister cities ing in-depth friendly relations between but also produced good social results. Chinese and foreign youths, with far- A summer camp was jointly run by History, culture, mountains and reaching influence on the growth of Lethbridge and the city of Zhaoyuan, rivers are a city’s soul and spirit as teenagers and the development of their Shandong province. Based on their well as a precious resource for foreign respective cities and countries. successful experiences of sending stu- relations. Anyang is one of the eight In June 2016, a delegation from dents overseas for cultural exchanges, ancient capitals of China and is on the Anyang led by Liu Jianfa, deputy Lethbridge School District No 51 and list of National famous historical and mayor of the municipal people’s gov- the Anyang No 8 Junior High School cultural cities. Sitting by the beautiful ernment, visited Lethbridge to study signed a memorandum for jointly host- Taihang Mountains, Anyang boasts rich the possibility of exchanges and coop- ing the annual Study Tour Camp in tourism resources of “history, culture eration in education between the two May 2017. and natural landscape”. It is the site of cities. The campus visits and friendly From July 18 to 29 last year, 18 the archeological discovery of oracle negotiations led to the signing of two Anyang students, from Anyang No 8 bone inscriptions, believed to be the agreements—between Anyang No 1 Junior High School, participated in a ancient origin of Chinese characters. Senior High School and Lethbridge 12-day study tour camp in Lethbridge. Tourism attractions include Yinxu, a School District No 51, and between During the period, they attended the world cultural heritage site and a Grade Anyang No 8 Junior High School and ESL (English as a second language) 5A national scenic area; the National Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate class, enjoying the relaxed and free at- Museum of Chinese Characters; and Regional Division No 4—establish- mosphere of learning and discussion. the Hongqiqu-Taihang Grand Canyon ing sister-school relationships. The two They integrated into local life by living Scenic Area, also a national scenic area sides agreed to set up a mechanism for with families; learned about the his- of Grade 5A. These sites have become mutual visits so that Chinese and Cana- tory and development of Lethbridge symbols of Anyang city. The city of dian teachers and students could learn city and county by visiting government Lethbridge’s tourism resources com- about each other’s national character- buildings; watched and tried science prise natural landscapes (such as Wa- istics, traditional culture and education experiments at the University of Leth- terton Lakes International Peace Park), mechanisms. bridge and Lethbridge College; and vis- historical culture (Blackfoot Crossing In February 2017, a 26-member ited Waterton Lakes International Peace Historical Park and the Head-Smashed- joint delegation of Lethbridge city, Le- Park and Devil’s Coulee Museum, rel- In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site) thbridge county and South Grow—led ishing the mix of beautiful scenery and and leisure experiences, such as kayak- by Chris Spearman, mayor of Leth- a sense of deja vu at the historical sites. ing, skiing and climbing. The thriving bridge—paid a visit to Anyang to pro- The activity not only improved tourism industry is the major force that

43 Between Friendship Cities drives the economic development of the Lethbridge. On June 30, 2017, the Alberta Tourism Bureau and Hainan Airlines announced the launch of a nonstop Giving full play to the flight from Beijing to Calgary, which greatly facilitated travel from China. advantages of sister city ties During Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to China in September, the two countries reached agreement on Wang Tao 17 projects, including designating 2018 as the China-Canada Tourism Year and encouraging more mutual tourist visits. Since both cities take the tour- ism industry as a development priority, Anyang and Lethbridge will conduct two-way promotional activities and de- velop the Travel in Sister Cities brand based on many favorable opportunities. Governments will take a lead in the de- velopment of the Travel in Sister Cities brand, while nongovernmental organi- zations will play a significant role. The governments of the two cities will inte- grate their tourism resources and devel- op several quality tourism routes. They will also formulate preferential policies 2016 Henan Economic and Trade Cooperation Fair for International for the tourism industry to encourage Sister Cities travel agencies and other related orga- nizations to promote the Travel in Sis- n recent years, Henan’s positive results and was well received. ter Cities brand. Branded activities will I international sister cities—which More important, by hosting the fair, we enhance people-to-people exchanges are important channels of people-to- explored ways of boosting pragmatic people diplomacy—have played a cooperation and promoting common between Anyang and Lethbridge, not unique role in promoting Henan’s development with sister cities. only promoting civil exchanges, en- opening-up. In 2015, the first Economic hancing public awareness of interna- Meticulous preparation and Trade Fair for Henan International tionalization and improving citizens’ Sister Cities was successfully held. By the end of 2014, Henan had quality of international exchange, but With follow-up measures taken for established sister city relationships with also facilitating bilateral economic and improvement, the second fair was held 105 cities in some 43 countries, ranking social development. in the next year. The fair achieved first in China’s midwestern provinces

44 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018 in the sheer number. How to make full use of this large number of sister cities in our communication and cooperation with the world is a significant issue. We hope that sister cities can play a greater role in social and economic advance- ment and become an effective platform for Henan’s opening-up. Having made a series of investigations and feasibil- ity studies, we decided to organize the trade fair. The leading board of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Henan provincial government attached great importance to the fair, and set up a preparatory Project signing ceremony for the first Henan Economic and Trade panel to formulate a general work plan Cooperation Fair for International Sister Cities soon after the idea was raised. The preparatory panel determined that “the key steps are to invite business inves- tential cooperation projects. To ensure board members of the Provincial As- tors and set up projects”. It appointed the quality and efficacy of the fair, we sociation for Friendship with Foreign departments to take charge of different contacted many local departments at Countries, as well as local and foreign tasks such as inviting guests, setting up the provincial and municipal levels and media. protocols, employing interpreters and local enterprises while frequently com- All the activities were well-tar- promoting the event. At the same time, municating with foreign delegations geted and organized. In addition to the a formal notice was sent to the Foreign about their schedules and projects, thus opening and agreement-signing cer- and Overseas Chinese Affairs Offices increasing understanding between the emonies, special activities such as proj- of the cities directly under the provin- two sides and ensuring that practical ect introduction meetings for key enter- cial government to clarify their tasks. steps would be taken. prises from sister cities, field visits to As an effort to solicit foreign in- the Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone Scientific arrangement vestment, the fair needs to focus on and key local companies were orga- preparing cooperation projects. We High-level representa- nized. Moreover, we added special ses- made it our main task to find large- tives and guests from various so- sions, such as policy interpretation de- scale, prospective projects that have cial sectors attended the fair the livered by the Henan Development and potential for long-term and pragmatic p r e v i o u s t w o y e a r s , i n c l u d i n g Reform Commission and the Commis- cooperation. We took every opportu- government officials and entrepreneurs sion of Industry and Information Tech- nity to present Henan when we made from foreign sister cities, officials of nology, policy introduction meetings overseas visits, went to Beijing to seek foreign embassies or consulates, repre- given by foreign embassies, introduc- support from the central government sentatives of famous foreign business tory meeting on our cooperation with departments, went to cities and prefec- associations, representatives of over- sister provinces and cities in special in- tures to inspect our local offices and seas Chinese communities, senior man- dustries, as well as field visits and other attended trade fairs domestically or agers of transnational corporations and activities. As the fair was a new form internationally. Meanwhile, we kept in well-known foreign enterprises, repre- of cooperation with a rich content and contact with major foreign enterprises sentatives of Henan’s municipal gov- offered tremendous cooperation oppor- that had been invited to look into po- ernments and enterprises and business tunities, many foreign representatives

45 Between Friendship Cities

The signed projects cover a wide swath of fields, such as new technolo- gies, modern agriculture, new energy, aviation logistics, machinery manu- facturing, cross-border E-commerce and culture and education. In the past, foreign investments in our province mostly focused on the industrial sec- tor. Now the fair paid more attention to new industries. It reflects not only the achievements we’ve made in industrial restructuring and upgrading but also the Project signing ceremony for the 2016 Henan Economic and Trade Cooperation Fair for International Sister Cities importance of work related to foreign and overseas Chinese affairs in serving and local government officials were at- contracted value exceeded 5.83 billion economic and social development. tracted. Several mayors even requested yuan. By the end of December 2017, additional sessions to introduce and More than half the delegations Henan had established sister city re- present their cities. All the foreign rep- were from countries along the Belt and resentatives asked to deliver speeches. Road routes. Their participation will lationships with 112 cities in some 48 Their active participation proved that greatly boost Henan’s cooperation with countries and regions, covering five both sessions of the fair fulfilled the ex- these countries. Twelve signed projects continents. Among those, 41 are at the pectation of promoting exchanges and were initiated by well-known interna- provincial level and 71 at the municipal cooperation. tional business associations and over- and county level. Friendly exchanges seas friendly organizations, accounting Consummate summarization and among sister cities have developed to for 30 percent of the total value of all promote innovation make up about 70 percent of Henan’s the contracts signed at the fair. main foreign relationship activities. More than 110 delegations total- Overseas Chinese delegations ac- ing about 1,000 members from more tively played their parts as “bridges” Fruitful cooperation has been carried than 30 countries attended the two ses- and facilitated the signing of several out in various sectors including econo- sions of the fair. Seventy-seven proj- projects. What was particularly signifi- my and trade, science and technology, ects were clinched, 59 of which were cant was the project brokered between agriculture, culture and education, in- economic and trade cooperation proj- Henan and three overseas Chinese frastructure, equipment manufacturing ects and 18 of which were for friendly organizations for setting up a liaison and environmental conservation. establishment of relations and human mechanism to introduce overseas talent In the future, we will further le- resources exchanges, as well as coop- to Henan. In addition, envoys of for- verage the role of international sister erative projects in culture, sports and eign embassies showed strong interest tourism. The total value of the clinched in business cooperation with Henan. cities, continue to innovate working economic and trade cooperation proj- This has brought many precious oppor- methods and exploit the potential for ects was 32.89 billion yuan while the tunities. cooperation.

46 Voice of Friendship No. 191 March 2018

A story of friendship between Kaifeng and Omsk Zhao Shufen

ocated in central China on the bank L of the Yellow River, Kaifeng is well-known for its rich history and culture and its position as the country’s capital in eight ancient dynasties. The famous scroll painting titled Riverside Scenes at Qingming Festival depicts the city’s prosperity and patronage by travelers and merchants from both home and abroad. Today, Kaifeng has quickened its exchanges and cooperation with the outside world, banking on the opportu- 2014 Kaifeng-Omsk One-to-One Business Conference nities brought by the Chinese govern- ment’s decisions to integrate the devel- turing, energy and oil processing, and Business-to-Business Trade Talk was opment of Zhengzhou and Kaifeng and chemical and aviation industries. held in Kaifeng in April 2013. Twenty- establish the China (Henan) Free Trade two enterprises from Omsk and 60 Joint efforts by government Area Kaifeng Zone. It is encouraged companies from Kaifeng in the indus- and enterprises by the spirit of the 19th National Con- tries of machinery, chemical engineer- gress of the Communist Party of China. Kaifeng and Omsk began ex- ing, food processing, textiles, trade and It has taken moves to enhance friendly changes in 2006 and formally estab- construction held one-on-one talks. The exchanges with Omsk, a Russian city lished a sister city relationship in Au- Russian businessmen went on a fact- that has been Kaifeng’s sister city for gust 2009. Since then, the governments finding tour of Kaifeng’s industrial and about a decade. of the two cities have encouraged and commercial enterprises. The two sides Omsk is located in the south of supported exchanges and cooperation reached consensus on strengthening the West Siberian Plain at the conflu- between people and organizations of communication between the two as- ence of the Omsk and Irtysh Rivers. the two sides. In October 2009, Kai- sociations, deepening cooperation and As the capital of Omsk state, Omsk is feng held a book exhibition in Omsk holding regular meetings. not only one of oldest cities in Siberia that helped the local people get to know In May 2014, organized by the but is also an important traffic hub for the Chinese city and inspired passion Kaifeng People’s Association for trade and industry. With developed ag- from both sides for increasing friendly Friendship with Foreign Countries, an riculture and a well-established system exchanges. Jointly organized by the 11-member delegation of Kaifeng’s of science and education, Omsk is an Kaifeng Association of Industrial and entrepreneurs paid a return visit to the industrial powerhouse known for its Commercial Businesses and its Omsk Russian city. They attended the Second machinery and instruments manufac- counterpart, the First Kaifeng-Omks Kaifeng-Omks Business-to-Business

47 Between Friendship Cities

Trade Talk, joined by 80 entrepreneurs cused their efforts on trade cooperation exchanges and training of athletes in from Omsk and New Siberia state. The in imports and exports of mechanical, certain prioritized sports events. two sides signed cooperation agree- chemical, dynamoelectric and wood The two cities are studying the ments and letters of intent with a total products. These successful cooperative possibility of establishing sister city value of $2 million for export of Kai- efforts brought more motivation to con- pavilions in their respective cities. The feng’s triangular belt and chemical prod- nect people in the two cities through pavilions are expected to serve as plat- ucts to the Russian market. Five months friendly exchanges. forms for enhancing mutual understand- later, the Kaifeng Hongli Rubber and An agreement on establishing a ing. It is hoped, on the basis of econom- Henan Tonglin Wood Co set up offices relationship for friendly exchanges be- ic and trade cooperation, that substantial in Russia. In October 2014, the mayor of tween Kaifeng University and Omsk cooperation and exchanges can be con- Omsk led a delegation to visit Kaifeng, State University was signed in 2015 ducted in various other fields. where he also attended the 33rd China- during the visit of the Kaifeng munici- Walk hand-in-hand to excellence Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Culture Festi- pal delegation to Omsk. Since then, the val. The two mayors signed a protocol agreed programs such as mutual visits In the promotion of exchanges of talks between mayors, agreeing to by students and teachers and Mandarin and cooperation between Kaifeng and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in teaching have progressed smoothly. Omsk, the KPAFFC plays a vital role. culture and sports and between the two The successful Book Exhibi- It did a lot of work to encourage many cities’ youth on the basis of economic tion Kaifeng, held in Omsk in the first nongovernmental organizations to do and trade cooperation. days of bilateral relations, set a good their part. It contacted the Kaifeng Fed- In May 2017, a seven-member example. In 2015 and 2016, Kaifeng eration of Industry and Commerce, Kai- Kaifeng Business Delegation visited organized two roadshows in Omsk to feng Wushu Association, Kaifeng Folk Omsk for the Third Kaifeng-Omks present the city’s image, putting on Arts Hall and Kaifeng Free Trade Zone Business-to-Business Trade Talk. Let- publicity shows, displaying handicrafts to find out how much, and in what way, ters of intent were signed for Kaifeng and giving out souvenirs. The two cit- they can help with the work of putting to export mechanical and electrical ies also agreed to carry out more mu- into practice the friendship with Omsk. products to Russia. The two sides also tual visits of performing groups. During the work, the KPAFFC has fol- discussed the possibility of establish- Invited by the Omsk city gov- lowed the principle of encouraging non- ing an agent mechanism between the ernment and Omsk State Taekwondo governmental organizations to engage two cities’ businesses and reached a League, a 12-member delegation from in exchanges and cooperation with their consensus. The two cities’ government Kaifeng competed in the Fifth Omsk Omsk counterparts under the guidance departments in charge of economic af- Sister Cities Taekwondo Cup in Sep- of the government. The KPAFFC in- fairs also held successful meetings to tember last year. Seven Chinese play- sists that once a cooperation program establish a communication mechanism. ers won one gold, one silver and two is launched, it must be carried out and bronze medals in their age group. Dur- maintained with substantial results. All-around cooperation starts ing the visit, the Kaifeng Taekwondo We believe that whatever difficul- with pilot projects Association and Omsk State Taekwon- ties we may meet, we will definitely In their sister-city relations, Kai- do League signed a memorandum of succeed in our mission. Inspired by the feng and Omsk started with some pilot understanding for cooperation. Omsk spirit of 19th CPC National Congress projects involving economic coopera- will send a delegation to participate and the opportunity brought by the Belt tion. Experience has shown that these in the 2018 China Zheng-Kai Interna- and Road Initiative, the KPAFFC has projects played an important role in tional Marathon. The two cities also the determination, confidence and abil- promoting all-around cooperation. developed a common will to cooperate ity to enhance the relationship between Over the past five years, the two cities’ on the construction of sports facilities, Kaifeng and Omsk and lead the way governments and enterprises have fo- along with public fitness promotion and into a new era.

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