Eclipsed by the glorious results from economic cooperation, mutual exchange between China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in the area of culture have been somewhat undervalued, despite long-term cultural links and certain similarities.
Since the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area was launched in 2010, China has now become the organization's largest trading partner. Now to catch up with bilateral economic achievements, cultural exchange and cooperation are being emphasized.
Yunnan takes the lead
As a bordering province with a few ASEAN member nations, Yunnan Province is playing a lead role in this regard. Earlier this week, the China ASEAN Culture, Business and Tourism Seminar took place in Shilin county of Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan.
At the seminar, ambassadors and diplomats from the 10 ASEAN member countries as well as managers of local cultural groups shared their views and suggestions on how to further boost the cultural cooperation between the bordering region and the economic bloc.
"Yunnan features a diverse ethnic cultural pattern that is shared by that of the ASEAN countries," said Tao Guoxiang, general manager of Yunnan Culture Industry Investment Holdings Company, which has contributed to the exchange of art performances between Yunnan and ASEAN.
"The kindness and inclusiveness delivered by Ashima culture also represent the spirit of ASEAN," he stressed at the seminar.
With 26 ethnic groups residing in the region, Yunnan has long been known for its various ethnic cultures in the country. Since its folk narrative poem Ashima was made into film in 1964, it became a lively symbol of Yunnan culture.
In conjunction with the seminar, a ceremony was held to inaugurate the construction of Ashima Grand Theater in Shilin. "The theater will be mainly used to present cultural exhibitions and art performances from ASEAN countries," said Tao.
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