The United Nations marked its 16th Chinese Language Day on Tuesday at its New York headquarters, offering an immersive cultural experience that blended Chinese poetry and music.
This year's event, "Poetic China: Rhymes and Romance," featured Chinese poetry readings, musical performances, and an exhibition on Chinese characters. More than 400 UN diplomats, staff and international guests attended.
Chinese Language Day is celebrated on April 20, around the time of Guyu (Grain Rain), the sixth of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar.
"The United Nations Language Day was launched in 2010 and covers six UN official languages. According to arguments from domestic experts, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations suggested that April 20, the day of Grain Rain, be designated as Chinese Language Day. It is very well thought out and contains a lot of cultural heritage including to commemorate Cangjie, the legendary figure believed to have invented Chinese characters," said Zou Heyi, a staff member of the Chinese news group of the Department of Global Communications of the United Nations.
At the opening ceremony of the event, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, said that Chinese is an important bridge that transcends national borders, promotes understanding and builds consensus. It actively conveys the United Nations' position and propositions to the world and makes important contributions to multilateral causes.
Many UN staff and foreign diplomats who like Chinese culture also performed poetry at the event.
"As heaven maintains vigor through movements, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-perfection," UN staff member Zach Danz recited lines from Zhou Yi, or the Book of Changes, an ancient classic of Confucianism.
"This spring morning in bed I'm lying, not to awake till the birds are crying," Guevara Alejandra, representative of the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations, recited lines from a popular Tang Dynasty (618-907) poem by Meng Haoran.
Chinese diplomats also used the DeepSeek artificial intelligence model to create a poem calling on peace and mutual learning among civilizations
"Eighty years through storm and wind we stride, the world now joins in peace side by side. Civilizations chart a course untold, where cultures blend in splendor bright and bold," said Chinese diplomat Zhao Lei.
The event also showcased a performance by the UN singers, who, dressed in traditional costumes, sang the iconic Chinese folk song "Jasmine," and also featured a series of activities such as cultural seminars, calligraphy experience, tea art performances, and exhibitions on Chinese characters.
United Nations marks 16th Chinese Language Day
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
