A variety of special themed activities were held at the China Pavilion during the ongoing Osaka Expo 2025, featuring displays of distinctive intangible cultural heritage products and immersive cultural performances.
The Guangxi Week, held from June 11 to June 13, showcased the rich and diverse ethnic culture of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region through performances such as the local song and dance "Folk Songs for Dear Friends", the "Reunion", a puppet drama retelling the classic love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, and an ethnic costume show.
Traditional intangible cultural heritage products on display include Zhuang brocade, round silk fans, Nixing pottery, lacquerware, shell carvings, pearls, and Liubao tea. Visitors can also enjoy interactive experiences like the digital avatar of Liu Sanjie, a legendary folk song singer from the Zhuang ethnic group, and a VR metaverse for cultural tourism, offering a virtual tour of Guangxi.
"I think our cultural tourism products are very creative and impressive. There’s potential for collaboration with Japanese companies - perhaps they could contribute their design ideas that could be further developed in Guangxi, which might yield even better results," said Zhang Yongsheng, president of the Western Japan New Overseas Chinese Association.
The Guizhou Week, held from June 5 to June 7, highlighted the vibrant ethnic culture of southwest China's Guizhou Province with performances of Miao ethnic dances and Dong grand songs, alongside displays of traditional crafts such as batik, embroidery, and silver ornaments.
Themed "Designing the Future Society of Our Lives," the World Expo 2025 is underway in Osaka, Japan's third largest city, from April 13 to Oct 13.
China Pavilion hosts special themed events at Osaka Expo 2025
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
