"Reel China" Premium Screening, a curated showcase of Chinese blockbusters, opened in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Wednesday, drawing nearly 300 guests to its launch ceremony.
The program featured films such as "Shenzhou 13", China's first 8K space movie, and "Pegasus 3", a high‑profile sports drama, selections chosen to highlight both the country's technological advances in filmmaking and the vitality of its popular culture.
At the launch, Talantbek Tolobekov, head of Kyrgyzstan's Cinematography Department, said the screening gave audiences a glimpse of modern China. He voiced hope that "Reel China" would mark a new phase of cooperation between the two countries and serve as a bridge for innovative collaboration and people‑to‑people ties among filmmakers.
The opening film Shenzhou 13, China's first 8K movie shot in space, moved audiences with its sweeping cosmic imagery and intimate storytelling. Organizers said the program will continue in Bishkek over the coming weeks, with additional titles from the curated showcase scheduled to reach local viewers.
Chinese blockbusters showcased in Bishkek, strengthening cultural exchange with Kyrgyzstan
As the United States renews its diplomatic push to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a Chinese international affairs expert cautioned that a lasting peace remains elusive unless fundamental disputes over territory and security guarantees are addressed.
The Chinese expert's remarks came after U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday in efforts to revive Ukraine peace talks. They are also scheduled to visit Kiev the following day.
Meanwhile, both Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt strikes on each other's capital during the U.S. envoys' visits.
Teng Jianqun, a prominent Chinese international affairs expert, noted that the current geopolitical climate presents a genuine, albeit fragile, window of opportunity for peace.
"Looking at the current situation, this is indeed a window of opportunity. Since February of this year, the United States has primarily focused its attention on dealing with Iran. Now, six months later, Washington is once again urging a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, signaling that the U.S. has readjusted its strategic focus. In terms of battlefield dynamics, fighting on the frontline has become highly deadlocked. Therefore, it is a critical moment now for both sides to pause and negotiate a resolution to this conflict," said Teng.
Teng added that the U.S. has maintained communication with both Moscow and Kiev, which lays a necessary foundation for discussing a potential ceasefire.
However, the expert warned that significant obstacles remain, particularly regarding territorial sovereignty and the security guarantees that Ukraine demands.
"Given the current situation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, expecting Russia to withdraw, or asking Ukraine to accept a 'land for peace' plan, are both unacceptable to either side. Therefore, the core issue remains to be territorial sovereignty. Meanwhile, Ukraine's security guarantees represent another fundamental concern. If these two basic issues are unresolved, I believe the conflict will continue," said Teng.
Expert warns U.S. unlikely to end Ukraine crisis without resolving core issues
