The China-ASEAN Expo has become a shining brand for cooperation between the two sides, and the newly navigable Pinglu Canal will open a new trade route linking southwest China with ASEAN countries, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.
Guo made the remarks in response to a question about the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo, which closed on Monday with fruitful outcomes. The Pinglu Canal officially opened to navigation last week, receiving extensive public attention both at home and abroad.
"The China-ASEAN Expo is a shining brand of China-ASEAN cooperation. Over the past 23 years, the expo witnessed China-ASEAN cooperation leaping through the 'Golden Decade' to the 'Diamond Decade' and the upgrade to the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 (CAFTA 3.0). The expo also designated a Pinglu Canal exhibition area. The canal's opening to navigation will significantly reduce the maritime shipping distance from southwest China to ASEAN countries, opening up a new route for bilateral trade. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to implement CAFTA 3.0 and build an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future," said Guo.
China-ASEAN Expo, Pinglu Canal open new chapter in cooperation: FM spokesman
The National Youth Orchestra Jazz, or NYO Jazz, toured several cities across China this summer, bringing young musicians eager to share their craft and make connections with local people through music.
For many of the musicians, this trip was about more than performing, but also their first chance to experience China — not through headlines or social media, but in person.
"My experience here has been really beautiful. It's really let me appreciate what the difference in the culture is," said Kris Johnson, band leader of NYO Jazz.
Such personal experience can sometimes challenge assumptions. For trumpet player Miri Izenberg, this was her first time in Asia.
"I've never been to Asia before, so it's been really meaningful to see just a whole new part of the world, really get immersed in the culture here in China. It's been great, and I know that I'm going to take these experiences with me back home," Izenberg said.
Jazz itself has a long history of crossing borders. Born in the United States, it has traveled the world, absorbing new influences and taking on different forms.
In China, these young performers also found that connection can happen even when words fall short.
"We actually had a few experiences, both in Shanghai and Taicang, where we played with people from the area. And there's a language barrier, but getting to play together — that was such a connection that I think transcends language or culture. So it was really beautiful to get to connect with them in that way," said Izenberg.
NYO Jazz brings music, American youth to China
