Zhao Haisheng, deputy director-general of Bureau for External Cultural Relations in Ministry of Culture, introduced the project at the press conference.[Photo/Culturalink.gov.cn]

Key cultural exchange programs "Chinese Culture in Focus 2015" and "Year of China" in South Arica will be held in more than 20 countries in Africa and Chinese cities, with around 200 cultural events to be launched, according to a press conference by Chinese Ministry of Culture Beijing on May 19.

"Chinese Culture in Focus" is a brand project that has been held annually since 2008 and has become an essential platform for cultural communication between China and Africa. The project covers a wide variety of fields, including culture, art, literature, publication, film, TV, sports and heritage. The format of the event is well diversified. Apart from art performances, academic seminars and training programs, other activities are also held.

The series of cultural activities covers almost all the African countries and Chinese provinces and important cities.

"The cultural resources to be presented in the programs are well selected. Three standards have been applied in the selection: national level, Chinese characteristics, and regional spirit,"said Zhao Haisheng, deputy director-general of Bureau for External Cultural Relations in Ministry of Culture, at a press conference. He said that Chinese key values are shown through these cultural events.

One of the highlights in "Chinese Culture in Focus" this year is the "Year of China" program in South Africa. Tianjin Peking opera tours and intangible cultural heritage exhibition series, Zhejiang culture festivals, large-scale theatrical performances in South Africa are expected to be held in the coming days. The "Year of South Africa" was successfully launched in China last year.

Other cultural activities, such as China-Africa Cultural Heritage Preservation Forum, the two sides' cultural cooperation partnership plan and a sting of training programs for African officials, experts and artists, will also be highlighted in the project.

China and South Africa attach great importance to enhance their cultural exchanges. Earlier this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma both sent congratulatory messages to the opening of "Year of China" in South Africa.