China's 15th National Games, which is set to begin on Nov 9 in Guangzhou City, south China' Guangdong Province, will be ended with an exciting closing ceremony on Nov 21 in Shenzhen to wrap up the event co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region (SAR), and Macao SAR.
This year, organizers are breaking from tradition with a closing ceremony that will unfold outside of a sports venue, themed "Stars and the Sea," promising a panoramic citywide celebration.
Attendees can expect six artistic performances that fuse Shenzhen's technological advancements with the rich culture, cuisine, and architecture of the Greater Bay Area.
The backdrop of a starry sky and ocean will transform the traditional athlete procession, featuring performances from dance troupes and universities, alongside humanoid robots and drones that will showcase the latest in artificial intelligence and virtual reality. This spectacle aims to marry high-tech innovation with traditional art, creating an unforgettable audiovisual experience.
"The torch extinguishing segment of the closing ceremony will incorporate cutting-edge technology while moving beyond the conventional human-centered performance model. You will witness many performances actually taking place in the water, in the sea, experience the evolution of Shenzhen over the past 45 years, and see the integration of the Greater Bay Area. It will reflect the vigorous development of China today as we continue to strive boldly towards tomorrow," said Shen Chen, chief director of closing ceremony of 15th National Games.
The National Games, held every four years, is the nation's highest level and largest national multi-sports event. The last edition in 2021 saw over 12,000 athletes compete in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
Closing ceremony of 15th National Games to feature unique citywide celebration
Closing ceremony of 15th National Games to feature unique citywide celebration
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
