China will continue to strengthen cooperation with international community to effectively prevent and reduce the adverse effects of climate change, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday.
Guo made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing when taking a media query about a recent glacial collapse in Nepal that triggered a devastating mudslide along the China-Nepal border.
"China and Nepal have maintained good cooperation in areas such as meteorology, water resources, and disaster prevention and mitigation. Following the mudslide disaster, China shared crucial information with Nepal, including images of the affected area, satellite and hydrological data, and early warning information about the upstream barrier lake. We will continue to strongly support Nepal in its disaster relief efforts and strengthen cooperation in areas such as disaster prevention and mitigation," Guo said.
"Climate change is a common challenge facing all of humanity, and no country can stay unaffected on its own. China will continue to work with the international community to strengthen exchanges and cooperation to effectively prevent and reduce the adverse effects of climate change," he added.
China to continue strengthening cooperation with int'l community on climate change: spokesman
The International Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, is lighting up the city's Victoria Park from Sept 17 to 27, featuring more than 3,000 lanterns from around the world and drawing large crowds of residents and visitors.
This year's festival takes "Reunion" as its theme, bringing together traditional and innovative elements, as well as local and international cultures.
For the first time, the festival incorporates global cultural elements into the traditional Mid-Autumn celebrations, creating a distinctive festive experience.
Lanterns representing diverse traditions are on display, including Nanjing’s historic Qinhuai lanterns, handmade Hong Kong lanterns and overseas lanterns.
At the main entrance of Victoria Park, an eight-meter-tall installation inspired by Hong Kong's great banyan trees greets visitors. It is one of four giant works custom-made for Hong Kong by a Qinhuai lantern-making team whose craft is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
More than 3,000 lanterns from 20 countries and regions across Asia and Europe are on show, allowing visitors to explore folk customs and festive cultures from around the world through lantern art.
"The streets and alleys of Hong Kong are filled with a festive atmosphere during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Today's lantern festival is very beautiful, showcasing the charm of traditional Chinese culture and international lantern culture. It has attracted many residents and tourists. Hong Kong's economy has been stable this year, and people have a strong sense of gain and happiness," said Michael Woo Kim-kong, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from Hong Kong.
"The lantern festival this year has a strong traditional atmosphere, and the lanterns have a real festive feel. At the same time, it incorporates lanterns from other countries and regions, reflecting Hong Kong as an international metropolis that brings together visitors from all over the world to share the joy of reunion. With the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day approaching, Hong Kong is immersed in joy," said William So Wing-on, a member of Hong Kong's business community.
Visitors from the mainland were also among those drawn to the display.
"I came specially from the mainland to see the lanterns in Hong Kong. I'm very excited to be here today because the environment is particularly good and the lanterns are really beautiful," said a visitor from the mainland surnamed Cai.
Hong Kong lantern festival brings global cultures to Mid-Autumn celebrations
Hong Kong lantern festival brings global cultures to Mid-Autumn celebrations
