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International cultural industries fair opens in south China metropolis

China

China

China

International cultural industries fair opens in south China metropolis

2024-05-24 21:16 Last Updated At:05-25 11:33

The 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) burst into vibrant life on Thursday, as it opened its doors in the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen.

This year, the fair introduced a groundbreaking addition -- the "Cultural and Creative China" exhibition area. Spanning over 1,300 square meters, this captivating space brought together more than 300 awe-inspiring cultural products from the most esteemed creative institutions across the country. It was a vivid showcase of how cultural innovation intertwines seamlessly with the daily life of the people.

The heart of the fair beat at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, where eight pavilions take the center stage, focusing on fields such as cultural industry innovation, integration of culture and tourism, gaming and e-sports, and Guochao, also known as Chinese trends or "China chic".

The fair has truly lived up to its reputation as the largest exhibition platform for China's cultural industry. Over 120,000 cultural products adorn the exhibition halls, representing 31 provincial-level regions in the Chinese mainland, and the Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions. It makes an overwhelming display of the nation's rich cultural heritage.

But the fair is not just a grand exhibition. It is a stage alive with performances and artistry. Accomplished performers and revered masters of their crafts are mesmerizing visitors, offering a feast for the senses and a glimpse into the soul of Chinese culture.

"As a young inheritor to the Yueju Opera, it means a lot to bring the Yueju Opera for cultural exchanges here at the fair. I think this is very significant, and will work hard to keep promoting our traditional culture," said Li Yunxiao, a young inheritor to the Yueju Opera.

The Yueju Opera is one of the five major Chinese operas and the second largest type nationally. It is also known as "Chinese drama" abroad. The Yueju Opera is skillful in narration and sentiment, its performance is characterized by beautiful singing with aesthetic and elegant moods.

According to fair organizers, the 20th ICIF, held offline and online simultaneously, has attracted over 6,000 government entities, cultural organizations and enterprises. More than 300 overseas exhibitors from 60 countries and regions are participating in the fair. 

Established in 2004, the fair has become a leading cultural event in China.

International cultural industries fair opens in south China metropolis

International cultural industries fair opens in south China metropolis

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have reaffirmed that they will not seek normalization of ties with Israel, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump's call for the two countries to join the Abraham Accords.

Saudi Arabia's position on the Palestinian issue remains unchanged, a Saudi source told Al Arabiya TV on Monday.

The source affirmed the need for "an irreversible pathway to a Palestinian state".

The remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Muslim-majority and regional countries to normalize relations with Israel and join the Abraham Accords before the U.S. reaches a peace agreement with Iran.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly said it would not normalize relations with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that Pakistan will not join any agreement to normalize ties with Israel, adding that the country will not accept any deal that "conflicts with its fundamental ideologies".

Trump on Monday urged Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan -- countries involved in mediating U.S.-Iran talks -- to immediately join the Abraham Accords, warning that otherwise they should not participate in the mediation.

He added that if a U.S.-Iran deal is reached, Iran should also join the agreement.

The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States in 2020 during Trump's first term, were established between the Israeli government and Arab countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco, aimed at rapidly advancing the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries.

Before the outbreak of the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October 2023, the United States had been pushing for normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

After the conflict erupted, Saudi Arabia suspended normalization talks with Israel.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan reject Trump's Abraham Accords demand

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan reject Trump's Abraham Accords demand

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