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EXCHANGES | 你来我往

he event attracted over 200 attendees, including representa-
tives from cultural, media, educational, tourism, and overseas
Chinese communities in Myanmar, along with representatives
of Chinese-funded institutions and media from both China
Tand Myanmar. Students and teachers from Yangon Univer-
sity, University of Foreign Languages (UFL) in Yangon, Myanmar National
University of Arts and Culture, Central Institute of Civil Service, and Golden
Education Sharing Center were also present. During the event, Counselor
Cao Jing from the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar highlighted the vital role
of cultural and tourism exchanges in fostering people-to-people connections.
She discussed the significance of the Spring Festival to the Chinese people
and the global overseas Chinese community, as well as the increasing im-
pact of the “Cultural Exchange Week of Spring Festival.” Counselor Cao
expressed her congratulations on the recognition of both the Chinese Spring
Festival and the Myanmar Water-Splashing Festival as part of the UNESCO
Intangible Cultural Heritage List. She hoped that the cultural, educational,
and tourism sectors in both countries, along with many young students,
would engage in more mutual exchanges to strengthen bilateral relations, es-
pecially with the upcoming 75 anniversary of diplomatic relations between
th
China and Myanmar.

U Ohn Maung (Myinmu Maung Naing to life.
Moe), president of the Myanmar Writers’ “The simplest and warmest expres-
Association, shared his insights about China sions of care, along with the most heartfelt
and his personal experiences of exchange blessings, can all be captured on pieces of
during the event. He mentioned that he paper.” After exploring the paper-cutting
had visited China several times, immers- art of the Dai ethnic group, the technique
ing himself in its rich history, culture, and of lacquer fan-making, and the paper god
modernization. These experiences provided rubbing, Aung Min Zaw (transliteration), an
him with a deeper understanding of the interpreter from Yangon, Myanmar, penned
friendly relations between Myanmar and his New Year’s wishes on a bookmark. He
China. U Ohn Maung emphasized that the remarked that this wonderful experience
two countries have a long-standing tradition had brought a tangible embodiment to the
of friendship, with cultural and economic concept of “Profound Feelings on Pieces of
cooperation continually deepening and mu- Paper.” Aung Min Zaw expressed his desire
tual understanding and camaraderie among to participate in more such activities in the
their peoples growing. During the event, U future and to visit Yunnan to personally ex-
Ohn Maung recited a poem to express his perience its many-splendored life.
admiration for the deep friendship between The “Cultural Exchange Week of Spring
the two nations and his hopeful vision for Festival,” which began in 2010, is a signif-
future cooperation and development. icant cultural exchange initiative launched
In the cultural experience area, activities abroad in collaboration with the Chinese
such as paper god rubbing, paper-cutting, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China’s
lacquer fan creation, and the making of relevant national ministries and commis-
fragrant sachets and lanterns—organized by sions, local cultural organizations, and over-
the Yunnan International Communication seas institutions. Its purpose is to celebrate
Center for South and Southeast Asia and the Chinese Lunar New Year with people
the Yunnan Provincial Museum—attracted from various countries, share Chinese cul-
a large audience eager to participate. ture, and foster a harmonious world. The
Ko Lin Naing (transliteration), a student event, themed around the Paukphaw friend-
from the University of Foreign Languages ship between China and Myanmar and
in Yangon, enthusiastically explored the art the mutual learning among civilizations,
of lacquer craftsmanship and even created is co-hosted by the Publicity Department
a lacquer fan with his own hands. He ex- of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee
claimed, “This activity is so interesting! I and the Myanmar Ministry of Information.
really enjoy it, and the on-site experiences It commenced in Kunming in November
are even more diverse than I expected.” 2024. Through a series of cross-year activ-
Proud of the lacquer fan he made, Ko Lin ities, this initiative enhances cooperation
Naing eagerly moved on to the next expe- in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative,
rience booth. He highlighted elements like implements the Global Civilization Initia-
the pagodas and banyan trees, noting that tive, and embodies the concept of a com-
the paper-cutting art from the Dai ethnic munity with a shared future for mankind. It
group in Dehong also exists in Myanmar, further strengthens consensus and collabo-
showcasing the rich cultural heritage within ration while reinforcing the foundation of
a small space. He picked up a piece of red friendship, promoting, and preserving the
paper and a pair of scissors, expertly cutting Paukphaw relationship between China and
and bringing vibrant paper-cutting designs Myanmar.