Young singers from China and the United States gathered in Fuzhou City, east China's Fujian Province from July 10 to 13 for a celebration of music, culture and friendship.
As part of the 2025 China–U.S. Youth Choir Festival, choirs from both countries were performing, exploring and connecting. Through songs and shared experiences, they have built bonds that cross language and borders.
At the China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival Gala Concert, voices from across two continents filled the hall -- uniting on one stage for a harmony of friendship through song.
"It's been great to get to know all the other choirs, both from the United States and from China. Something that we want the audience to get from our set is just the passion that we pour into being technically excellent, while also providing an uplifting experience for the audience. We hope that they just feel a lot of goodness in their hearts as they're watching us," said Trace Glick from Select Singers Choir of Brigham Young University.
"I think it's very educational. Since this event stands for peace, I think it's very meaningful for people to learn from other choirs. I hope they'll get that from us too," said Daniel Quilicot, a member of Creative Cadence Choir from Hong Kong.
Beyond the concert hall, American choirs were invited to take part in a series of cultural exchanges with students in Fuzhou, visiting schools, exploring the city, and taking in its sights and sounds.
Dozens of young voices also enjoyed a boat tour for a night of shared moments, music and lights on the Minjiang River flowing through the city. Many saw the night cruise as a romantic chance to appreciate the city.
"I just want to draw literally everything. Everything I see I just want to draw it. I just want to put it on the page. I love this city so much. And I feel like with the rain coming down now, it's going to add this really cool effect. I love it. I think this has been absolutely beautiful. The humidity is very different from Utah. Utah is very, very dry. I love it," said Robin Van Cott from Utah Valley Choral Scholars.
Pure N Heart, one of the visiting choirs, said the warmth and hospitality they've received has left a lasting impression.
"This is my first time in China. I think it's a really, really nice country. I've never been here, of course, so everything is just eye-opening. Before, I mean, I knew people were friendly, but I didn't know like how welcoming you guys would be -- making us feel at home, giving us different gifts, explaining what your culture is, like the flower and the significance of everything that makes China what it is today," said Domenique Branch from Pure N Heart.
For these young singers, the music may end, but the connection endures.
China-U.S. youth choir festival bridges cultures through song
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
