220,000 books on display at Beijing expo
Over 1,700 exhibitors from 80 countries and regions participated in the event, which will run through June 22, with Malaysia as this year's guest country of honor.
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The Star
35 minutes ago
- The Star
Zimbabwe pledges to deepen cultural exchanges with China: official
HARARE, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe is committed to deepening cultural exchanges and collaboration with China to promote the arts industry, Napoleon Nyanhi, chief executive officer of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), said on Tuesday. Speaking at the second edition of the Harare Forum for Africa (HFA) held in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, Nyanhi said a series of cultural exchange programs have taken Zimbabwean creative experts and young artists to China for education and information sharing, further exposing local talent to the international scene. "A lot of exchange has happened in the areas of live performance, including music, dance, and instrumentation. We are intrigued to see the increased collaboration that has gone into other spheres of the arts, which are areas of fashion design, areas of filmmaking, and television production," said Nyanhi. He noted that in recent years, there has been significant support from China and the local Chinese community to Zimbabwe's arts and culture activities, which include the National Arts Merit Awards held annually to recognize outstanding achievements by artists across various disciplines. The inaugural China Film Festival in Zimbabwe, held earlier this month, marked a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe, which are celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations and cooperation, he added. Nyanhi said last year, the NACZ launched the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030, which seeks to improve the quality of productions and transform the country's film industry into a globally competitive sector. "Collaborations with friendly countries, or countries that are deeply tied in friendship with Zimbabwe, like China, are critical in making this plan a reality," Nyanhi added. The HFA, mainly organized by the School of Journalism and Communication at China's Tsinghua University and the China Zimbabwe Exchange Center, serves as a platform for academics, business leaders, and government representatives to share their insights into Africa's development issues.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
China-Bulgaria art exhibition opens in Sofia
SOFIA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- A joint exhibition featuring works by Chinese and Bulgarian artists opened here on Monday, highlighting cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The six-day event presents more than 60 pieces, ranging from Chinese ink paintings, woodcarvings, embroidery, lacquer painting, tie-dye, batik, and digital art, to Bulgarian works inspired by traditional textiles, felt, and contemporary interpretations of local heritage. Organizers said the exhibition aims to foster dialogue through art, expand cultural cooperation, and promote openness and creativity in the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative. "This exhibition not only offers an artistic dialogue between young creators from Shanghai and Bulgaria, but also reflects the cultural integration of the two countries," said Deng Xiaoxian, vice president and secretary-general of the Shanghai International Culture Association. Zahari Zahariev, chairman of Bulgaria's National Association for the Belt and Road, emphasized the importance of the event, noting the role of Bulgarian creative unions in strengthening cultural ties with China. Among the participants was 15-year-old Gabriela Georgieva, who showcased two watercolor paintings. "This participation is extremely important for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity," she said. The exhibition is co-organized by the China-Europe Association for Culture, Education, Sports and Investment and the Union of Bulgarian Artists, with support from the Shanghai International Cultural Exchange Association and other partners.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Kenyan acrobatics coach cherishes over 40-year bond with China
Kenyan acrobat Mathias Kavita (1st R) instructs a child to practice acrobatics in Thika, Kenya, on July 11, 2025. Slightly before his 12th birthday in 1983, Kavita's journey to China to study acrobatics under a government scholarship marked a turning point in his life, ushering him to a brave new world of cross-cultural interactions and enduring friendship.(Xinhua/Han Xu) NAIROBI (Aug 18): With over 1,000 youths having passed through his training, Kenyan acrobat Mathias Kavita beamed with pride when recalling his 41-year bond with China, one that has transcended time and geography to flourish. Slightly before his 12th birthday in 1983, Kavita's journey to China to study acrobatics under a government scholarship marked a turning point in his life, ushering him to a brave new world of cross-cultural interactions and enduring friendship. For two years, Kavita and 23 other compatriots were domiciled at the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe where they underwent rigorous training, culminating in mastery of the revered sport. Shortly after completing the program, Kavita returned to his homeland, worked as an acrobatic coach for a private company, and later founded his own company in the mid-1990s to nurture the next generation of acrobats. At a gated and leafy neighborhood in central Kenya's industrial town of Thika, the bubbly acrobatics coach was in his element when he assembled a group of children for a one-hour training session, featuring jumps and rope climbing. 'I have been in this field ever since I was taught acrobatics by the Chinese,' said Kavita, dressed in traditional Chinese soft-soled black shoes, commonly worn by the elderly in the Asian country. His two male assistants wore uniforms inscribed with 'Hebei Wuqiao Acrobatic Art School.' In July 2024, Kavita visited Wuqiao County, located in north China's Hebei Province, to participate in a two-month acrobatics training and exchange program, funded by the Chinese government. 'When I set foot on this land after 41 years, I truly felt like I had returned home. For over forty years, I have cherished my memories of China,' said Kavita. Kavita has preserved a 'treasure trove' of mementos from his connection with China, including a graduation certificate from Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe, a visa from his first trip to the Asian nation, and group photos taken during past training sessions. In June, Kenya marked 40 years of acrobatic exchange and cultural cooperation with China at a gala event where Kavita chaperoned youngsters to showcase their prowess in the time-honored sport. Kenyan acrobat Mathias Kavita (1st L) instructs a child to practice acrobatics in Thika, Kenya, on July 11, 2025. Slightly before his 12th birthday in 1983, Kavita's journey to China to study acrobatics under a government scholarship marked a turning point in his life, ushering him to a brave new world of cross-cultural interactions and enduring friendship.(Xinhua/Han Xu) Over the years, Kavita observed that the popularity of acrobatics in Kenya has grown tremendously, fueled by children and youth eager to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture. 'Acrobatics has evolved since I came back from China 40 years ago. What I learnt last year in China is what I want to implement in our acrobatics training here in Kenya,' said Kavita. 'With all these exchanges, it is really giving us hope in our acrobatics that we might do it internationally.' Kavita's mastery of acrobatics has not only provided him with steady income as a coach but also inspired youth to embrace the sport. Eric Musyoka, a Nairobi-based young talent, has become an accomplished acrobat, thanks to Kavita's training and mentorship since 2017. He proudly demonstrated his expertise during a home-based training session for multiracial children in a gated neighborhood. Musyoka, one of Kavita's assistants, also took part in the exchange program with Hebei Wuqiao Acrobatic Art School, where he immersed himself in Tai Chi and Chinese martial arts, while enjoying the scenic beauty of the countryside. According to Kavita, an increasing number of Kenyan youth, schoolchildren, and their parents embraced acrobatics for physical and mental wellbeing. One of Kavita's trainees at the gated community outside Thika town is Tafari, a 10-year-old boy who said his health has improved tremendously since he started acrobatics lessons. Kenyan acrobat Mathias Kavita (1st L) instructs a child to practice acrobatics in Thika, Kenya, on July 11, 2025. Slightly before his 12th birthday in 1983, Kavita's journey to China to study acrobatics under a government scholarship marked a turning point in his life, ushering him to a brave new world of cross-cultural interactions and enduring friendship.(Xinhua/Han Xu) 'I feel like gymnastics is a good sport because it keeps you fit and it helps you in life. Children should do it more, so that when they grow up, they will have more opportunities to be better in the sport,' Tafari said. Madeline Herschdorfer, Tafari's mother, said the boy started practicing acrobatics three years ago, while her daughter Ngina, aged 12, ventured into the sport when the family was living in Britain. 'We came to Kenya and found that the way they train children is much better. This is the first sport that they started doing seriously every week,' said Hershchdorfer. 'I think it is important that we connect with different cultures and take home some of the good points,' she added. – Xinhua
