Peruvians, Brazilians acclaim CMG programs as window to Chinese culture

China's state broadcaster China Media Group (CMG) recently launched exhibitions featuring its well-selected programs in Peru's Lima and Brazil's Sao Paulo, as a way to promote cultural exchanges ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visits to the two countries.

More than 20 of CMG's high-quality films and series, including "Encounters with Xi Jinping" and "A Road to Prosperity", will be broadcast on Peruvian and Brazilian media platforms.

People who have watched these CMG videos acclaimed the exhibitions' role in promoting cultural exchange.

"This documentary ('Encounters with Xi Jinping') is incredibly interesting for Peruvians. We believe that relations with China are very important for Peru. I think Xi Jinping's policies reflect many universal sentiments at this moment, as they represent a new approach to globalization -- a vision of a united world without blocs and with open policies. This is particularly relevant for trade but also extends to all forms of cultural exchange," said Dr. Hector Bejar Rivera, former Peruvian Foreign Minister.

"We have the Inca civilization, which is very similar to Chinese civilization in terms of its origins. The road to prosperity is through community, through working together. No one can develop in isolation during a crisis. New progress must be made through community cooperation. I think this is a message shared by both Chinese and Inca civilizations, and we are practicing this concept as well. I believe it is essential that, in China's approach to tackling poverty, they focus precisely on this -- the common good -- which is a fundamental principle of both Chinese and Inca civilizations. I believe that this is one of the most important messages being conveyed to the world," said Peruvian political analyst Jorge Perazzo.

"When I watch these shows and films, I find them very interesting. These Chinese historical dramas and movies make me want to visit these places -- these historic sites that belong to all of humanity. From the videos, I see a modern China, with a strong economy and modern architecture," said a Brazilian producer named Giovani Caldano.

"I hope that one day I can visit China, as these films make me want to learn more about it. These works I saw present an interesting culture, one that is completely different from ours in terms of language and culture. As the films show, communication is the foundation of everything. So I think that this exchange between the people of China and Brazil through films is very helpful. I believe it will be very beneficial for both sides, not just for Brazil," said Karyne Nóbrega, a Brazilian biomedical scientist.

President Xi will attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima and pay a state visit to Peru from Nov 13 to 17 at the invitation of President of the Republic of Peru Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra. He will also attend the 19th G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro and pay a state visit to Brazil from Nov 17 to 21 at the invitation of President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Peruvians, Brazilians acclaim CMG programs as window to Chinese culture

A major port in northern Venezuela came under U.S. airstrikes in the early hours of January 3, which caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, destroyed critical medical supplies in a warehouse, and severely impacted centuries-old cultural heritage sites, according to local residents.

The La Guaira Port, a vital hub for imports that support daily life in the region, was heavily damaged during the attack.

Large quantities of medical supplies stored at the port were destroyed. A historic cultural building dating back for some 300 years was also badly damaged by the bombardment.

Residents living near the port recalled the terrifying scenes as explosions shook nearby neighborhoods.

Humberto Bolivar, who lives in a community separated from the port by only a main road, said the blast waves shattered his home's windows, while stray shrapnel struck the water tank on his roof. According to reports, three missiles were fired at the port that night.

Bolivar said that beyond material losses, he is most concerned about the psychological impact on his children, who remain too frightened to leave their home days after the attack.

"The United States invaded our country. The children were frightened. This is not good for them, because it leaves some children with psychological trauma. They do not want to go to school or leave the house, because they are afraid that something worse might happen. We truly do not want this to happen to our country," he said.

Apart from civilian facilities, local cultural heritage site was also affected.

The La Guaira state government building, a structure with nearly 300 years of history and once served as the site of Venezuela's first national customs office, was struck by the force of the explosions.

Windows of the building were shattered, and furniture scattered across the floor.

"As people of La Guaira, we feel deep pain. Our cultural heritage has been bombed. We are living in constant anxiety and suffering, and life can no longer be the same as it was before," said a local named Henry Cumares.

The U.S. side has claimed the airstrikes targeted warehouses allegedly used to store narcotics. However, locals refuted such accusation.

"According to what Donald Trump said, they bombed this place using the excuse that the warehouses here were used to store drugs at the port. But based on the video released by our governor, these warehouses that were burned contained medicine for kidney patients and foods. Many people depend on these supplies to survive. I think the bombing is extremely despicable," said a local resident named Alejandro Capriles.

US strike hits Venezuelan port, wrecking medical supplies, heritage building