The United Nations marked its 15th Chinese Language Day on Friday at its headquarters in New York, with the unveiling of an exhibition on Chinese characteristics.
The exhibition is part of this year's Chinese Language Day celebrations by the world body.
Jointly hosted by Permanent Mission of China to the UN, the Nanjing Municipal People's government, the Chinese Language Division of the UN General Assembly and the UN Chinese Book Club, the exhibition was attended by Permanent Representative of China to the UN Fu Cong and President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly Dennis Francis.
In his speech, Francis noted that the Chinese language, with its thousands of years of history, represents China's cultural heritage and embodies harmony and coexistence that is in the heart of Chinese culture.
""With its deep-rooted commitment to the multilateral formula, drawing upon its ancient philosophy of seeking harmony and coexistence, China stands at the forefront of cooperative global action to mobilize a new diagnosis for multilateralism as a vehicle for resolving existing global challenges," he said.
About 180 guests attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition, where they experienced traditional Chinese culture, including movable-type printing process, tea ceremony and calligraphy, and enjoyed traditional Chinese music performances.
On Thursday, the UN Chinese Book Club organized a panel discussion on Chinese music and language translation, aiming to promote the Chinese language and cultural exchanges through music.
The UN Chinese Language Day is observed on April 20 every year since 2010, celebrating the language's contribution to the world while encouraging more people to learn it.
April 20 marks the Guyu, Grain Rain or "Rain of Millet" in Chinese. The Guyu is sixth of the 24 solar terms on the traditional lunar calendar, the day when farmers start sowing.
It is also the day to pay tribute to Cangjie, an imaginary figure in traditional Chinese lore regarded as the inventor of Chinese characters. Legend has it that when he invented the characters, the gods and ghosts cried and the sky rained millet.
UN marks 15th Chinese Language Day with unveiling of exhibition
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
