The Chinese anti-war action comedy "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East" held its New Zealand's premiere in Auckland on Thursday ahead of its nationwide theatrical release, drawing praise from local film fans.
The story follows a Chinese chef who travels to the Middle East in the early 2000s to start a business, only to face the outbreak of war. His small restaurant becomes a refuge for local civilians and children.
Blending culinary tradition with a story of ordinary people's resilience and kindness amid conflict, the film has struck a strong cross-cultural chord with audiences of diverse backgrounds.
At the premiere, some of the dishes featured in the film were recreated, giving audiences a chance to experience Chinese food culture through the story.
The event offered audiences a taste of China and helped foster greater understanding and cultural exchange between China and New Zealand.
Chinese anti-war film premieres in New Zealand
China's top political advisor Wang Huning met with Adao de Almeida, president of the National Assembly of Angola, in Beijing on Friday.
In their meeting, Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that in 2024, President Xi Jinping and President Joao Lourenco, who was visiting China, jointly announced the elevation of China-Angola relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, providing strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations.
China is willing to work with Angola to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, carry forward traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation and strengthen multilateral coordination to take bilateral relations to a higher level, Wang said.
The CPPCC National Committee stands ready to make contributions to promoting the modernization both in China and Angola, he said.
Noting that Angola attaches great importance to developing relations with China, Adao de Almeida said the two heads of state have maintained close exchanges and the two countries have achieved fruitful cooperation in various fields.
Angola supports the global initiatives proposed by China, appreciates China's support for its economic and social development, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in energy, economy and trade, transportation and other fields, strengthen international coordination and promote fair and reasonable global governance, he said.
China's top political advisor calls for stronger ties with Angola
