Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party who is leading a delegation of Taiwan youth on a visit to the Chinese mainland, attended a ceremony worshiping Fuxi, a mythical ancestor of the Chinese nation, on Saturday in the city of Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province.
At 09:50, the ceremony commenced in front of the city's Fuxi Temple, accompanied by the resonant sounds of drums and tolling bells. This was followed by a series of customs and rituals, including the reading of a eulogy. About 750 people from home and abroad gathered for the occasion.
Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, and Ma jointly presented a flower basket to the statue of Fuxi.
Ma called on young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to gain a deeper understanding of their identity as descendants of the common Chinese ancestors through such cultural events, and to continue working together to create a bright future for the Chinese nation.
“It has been important roots of the fine traditions of the Chinese nation for thousands of years and also the core values of Chinese culture to respect the deceased and remember the past, and to be grateful for the source of one's success. Through the solemn ceremony of worshiping the ancestors of Chinese culture, I hope that young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait can further join hands and work together to create a bright future for the Chinese nation," he said.
A similar event was held at the same time in New Taipei City of China's Taiwan region, marking the 12th consecutive year that the legendary figure has been commemorated simultaneously on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Tianshui is known as the birthplace of the mythical figure, who is worshiped for his contribution to teaching people about fishing, hunting and animal husbandry. According to historical records, the annual commemoration of Fuxi has a history of more than 2,000 years. It was listed as a form of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
This is Ma Ying-jeou's fourth visit to the mainland after leaving office, lasting from June 14 to 27. Following the worshiping ceremony he will lead his delegation to visit the Hexi Corridor. Prior to his trip to Tianshui, he attended the 17th Straits Forum which began on June 15 in Xiamen, Fujian Province.
Former KMT chairman participates in ceremony worshiping mythical Chinese ancestor Fuxi
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
