CHINA CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PRESENTED BY THE CHINESE EMBASSY IN COPENHAGEN
CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHINA-DENMARK COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2018
1
2
CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
3
REMARKS BY H.E. MS. DENG YING, AMBASSADOR OF CHINA IN DENMARK WITH THE CONCLUSION OF DINGYOU, YEAR OF ROOSTER, WE ARE USHERING IN A NEW YEAR.
T
THE PAST YEAR is of special significance to China. The 19th CPC National Congress successfully concluded, setting the direction for China's future. 2017 would see China advance reform across the board and promote development through high standards of opening-up, making more efforts to help build an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, security and common prosperity for all. In 2018 China will advance the Belt and Road Initiative, increase access to its domestic market, including the services sector, enhance Intellectual Property Rights protection and try out free trade ports. China, with a more open gesture, will uphold win-win cooperation principles, which has long been the philosophy of life for Chinese people, in welcoming all other countries including Denmark to catch the "express train" of China's development. 2017 was the year of harvest for China-Denmark relations. Prime Minister Rasmussen paid a very successful official visit to China, where the two sides issued the China-Denmark Joint Work Programme, furthering our practical cooperation on all fronts. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik visited China, inaugurating the Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, consolidating the friendship between our two peoples. The China-Denmark Tourism Year
successfully concluded, and our cooperation on the protection and research on giant pandas is making positive progress, further enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations. The 26th Batch of Escort Task Group of Chinese PLA Navy visited Denmark, promoting military exchanges. Denmark, for the first time as guest of honour, attended the 2017 Pujiang Innovation Forum. COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., delivered the Maersk Installer, the world's leading subsea support vessel to Maersk Supply Service, expanding our scientific cooperation in cutting-edge arenas. In the first 10 months of 2017 bilateral trade recorded a year on year increase of 5.5 percent, reaching US$ 9.66 billion. Alipay, one of the “Four Great New Inventions” in modern times, recently made its official debut in Denmark, expanding our business and trade platform. Though separated by seas and mountains, China and Denmark enjoy deep friendship that dates back in history. On May 11th, 1950, Denmark led western countries in establishing diplomatic ties with the newly founded PRC, opening a new chapter in China-Denmark relations. Over the 68 years, our bilateral ties and political trust is ever-deepening and maturing. China and Denmark established the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2008, propelling exchanges and practical cooperation onto a fast track. The heads of states exchanged visits in 2012 and 2014 respectively, instilling momentum into the development of bilateral ties. In the past five years, China and Denmark have witnessed ever-expanding practical and mutually-beneficial cooperation, testifying to the strategic nature of bilateral ties. With frequent high-level interactions, the two countries are further building on our mutual trust. For many years China has remained Denmark’s largest trading partner in Asia, as our bilateral trade volume has increased by 3,530 times than that in 1950,
exceeding US$ 10 billion in the past three consecutive years. Denmark remains the European country with the largest investment in China in per capita terms. Over 40 provinces and municipalities of the two countries have established direct links and engaged in fruitful cooperation. Today, the complementary advantages between China and Denmark in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship, green economy, high-end manufacture, education and elderly care service, as well as anti-corruption are turning into great momentum expanding the scope of cooperation. The dimensions and depth of China-Denmark relations are constantly broadening, going beyond the bilateral context, joining forces in our joint efforts in designing and pursuing practical cooperation via the Belt and Road Initiative, through China-Nordic cooperation, as well as in the wider China-EU environment, enriching the contents of the China-Denmark Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. As the Chinese poem goes, “Someday, with my sail piercing the clouds, I will mount the wind, break the waves, and traverse the vast, rolling sea.” The new fiveyear period kicked off by the 19th Congress will soon begin. Firmly committed to an independent foreign policy of peace, fostering a new type of international relations and building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Chinese people are marching forward in pursuit of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation. The China-Denmark Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is entering a new phase. We would like to join hands with Danish friends from all walks of life to seize the opportunity, constantly expanding common interests, enhancing consensus in policies and concepts, and strengthening complementary cooperation, so as to further push forward China-Denmark relations. In one month, we will be entering Wuxu, the Year of Dog. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Copenhagen, I would like to take this opportunity to convey my best wishes to our friends in Denmark. May you all enjoy good fortune and success! May China-Denmark Comprehensive Strategic Partnership bear rich fruits in the New Year! THE-INTL.
IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, CHINA AND DENMARK HAVE WITNESSED EVER-EXPANDING PRACTICAL AND MUTUALLY-BENEFICIAL COOPERATION, TESTIFYING TO THE STRATEGIC NATURE OF BILATERAL TIES.
4
CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
DECODING
XI JINPING'S REPORT On 18 October 2017, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Comittee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) delivered a report to the opening of the 19th CPC National Congress. Below is a summary of the key points coming out of his report.
CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
5
CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
6
CHINA'S DIPLOMACY IN THE NEW ERA
The past five years has seen Chinese diplomacy make great progress on all fronts. A uniquely Chinese style of diplomacy has resulted in a comprehensive, multilevel, multifaceted approach to advancing China’s favourable global development.
C
CHINA CHAMPIONS THE development of a community with a shared future for mankind, and has encouraged the evolution of the global governance system. As such, China has seen further rise in its international influence, ability to inspire, and power to shape, and in so doing, contributing to global peace and development. China has jointly pursued the Belt and Road Initiative, initiated the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, set up the Silk Road Fund, and hosted the First Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the 22nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, the G20 2016 Summit in Hangzhou, the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, and the Fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.
STAYING TRUE TO ITS SOCIALIST ROOTS President Xi Jinping has in the past five years taken a front line approach to China’s global relations, casting great insight into the changes of the country’s global situation. His personal planning and projecting has provided a series of new ideas, initiatives and strategies on how to better manage diplomatic work under this new era. The President has also personally visited more than 50 countries across the globe, including presiding over and attending a number of important multilateral forums. Most importantly, he has allowed China’s voice to be heard on a global stage, putting forward Chinese proposals, positioning China’s image and leadership as that of a major global player. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping, and his thinking on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China has already explored a path of major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Over the past five years, the country has implemented the important concepts put forward by President Xi Jinping, such as developing state-to-state relations with communication and partnership, and not with confrontation. To this end, China has built a global
partnership network, including the likes of the “Belt and Road” initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. This important initiative has resulted in the largest international cooperation platform in the world, and the most popular international public product. In accordance with its outlook on development, security, civilization and governance, as put forward by President Xi Jinping, China has also taken the initiative to tackle various global challenges and become the most dynamic and active force in the process of global governance. Over the past five years, China has unprecedentedly increased its right of setting the international agenda, remarkably enlarged its right of making international rules and largely elevated its say in international af-
fairs. All of these respects are seen as positive developments in China’s international status and influence. The practice and achievements made in diplomacy over the past five years have proved that Chinese Communists not only have the confidence and ability to build their own country, but also have the confidence and are able to move forward the common development of all countries. China can not only provide Chinese wisdom for the exploration of a better social system for mankind, but can also provide a new path for all developing countries towards modernisation. These are the most essential and meaningful results of China’s diplomacy as a major country, staying true to its Chinese values.
CHINA HAS ACTIVELY DEVELOPED GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AND EXPANDED ITS CONVERGENCE OF INTERESTS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES.
CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
A VISION FOR A GLOBAL FUTURE In late March 2013, Xi Jinping for the first time referred to the concept of a community with a shared future. Subsequently, at a series of bilateral and multilateral diplomatic occasions, he has frequently stressed building a community with a shared future, China is not only an advocator of this concept, but also an implementer. A series of opening-up policies launched by the Chinese government at the core has embodied this idea and blazed a new trail for global governance reform. Some of these policies include; taking practical actions in response to the anti-globalisation tide and injected new impetus into economic globalisation; enriching global governance experience with its own development experience – the past 40 years of reform and opening up have proved that China has successfully explored a model for underdeveloped countries to catch up with developed ones; providing institutional public goods to the international community – in addition to the Belt and Road Initiative, China has also created other institutional public goods such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank it co-founded with other BRICS countries; pushing forward democratisation of global governance, and; playing its role as a responsible major country – during global climate change negotiations, China made a series of commitments to peaking the volume of carbon emission, playing a crucial role in the signing of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
NEW ACCOMPLISHMENTS China’s diplomacy will, under the guidance of Xi Jinping, answer the call of the New Era that proposes broader vision of the world, a keener sense of international responsibility and more progressive diplomatic actions. It is a matter of making new contributions as well as making new accomplishments.
AS TO ITS NEW ACCOMPLISHMENTS, HERE IS A LOOK AT THE GLOBAL CONTRIBUTIONS CHINA INTENDS TO MAKE IN THIS NEW ERA: FIRST, the continuous development of socialism with Chinese characteristics. This will provide a new path for the modernisation of developing countries, and offer Chinese solutions to the problems facing mankind as well as Chinese wisdom in search of a better social system.
SECOND, the development of socialist democracy and promotion of a political development path with Chinese characteristics. This will allow for contributions with oriental wisdom in the progression of political civilization for mankind.
THIRD, advancement of the “Belt and Road” initiative. A holistic approach to this will establish a new platform for international cooperation, so to realise common development and prosperity with various countries.
FOURTH, pursuing the opening up of China on all fronts. Opening its door wider, which will provide the international community with new important opportunities to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China.
FIFTH, promotion of an economic system that facilitates green, low-carbon and circular development. For the sake of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, this will play a guiding role in the construction of a global eco-civilization. China has actively developed global partnerships and expanded its convergence of interests with other countries. In the coming years the country will continue to promote coordination and cooperation with other major countries and work to build a framework for major country relations featuring overall stability and balanced development. THE-INTL.
7
CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
8
CHINA’S ECONOMY: THE MAIN DRIVER POWERING GLOBAL GROWTH
During the first nine months of 2017, China's GDP increased by an incredible 6.9 percent (0.2 percent higher than 2016), with better quality and greater efficiency.
C
CHINA'S ECONOMY has exhibited a momentum of steady progress. This growth can be attributed to a number of factors, including; the abundant supply of agricultural products; stable CPI, industrial growth, corporate profits, import and export, and investment and; an increasing consumption and service industry.
economy. Individual income has registered sustained growth, outpacing GDP growth for many years. Income gaps between urban and rural areas and among different regions have been narrowed, with the middle-income groups expanding, and Gini coefficient dropping. More than 13 million new urban jobs have been created every year for four consecutive years. Significant advances have been made in pursuing green development, resulting in considerable reduction in energy and resource consumption and remarkable improvement in ecological environment. In recent years, decisive progress has been made in the fight against poverty. China has lifted more than 60 million people out of poverty. The poverty headcount ratio has declined, and per capita rural income in poor areas has maintained double-digit growth.
GROWING A STRONGER CHINA As the second-largest economy in the world, the GDP of China is more than US$ 10 trillion. The increment from 6.9 percent growth is even higher than that from double-digit growth previously seen, and equal to the size of a middle-income country. Over the past five years, China has taken proactive steps to adapt to, manage and steer the new normal of its economy and deepened supply-side structural reform. As a result, China's economy has maintained steady performance. Since 2013, China's economy has grown by 7.2 percent annually on average, contributing over 30 percent of global growth. China is now a main driver powering global growth. China has worked hard to remove systematic institutional barriers that impede development through comprehensive reform. As many as 360 major reform initiatives and more than 1,500 reform measures have been taken. Breakthroughs have been made in key areas, and general frameworks for reform have been put in place in major sectors. China has sped up efforts to build new institutions of the open economy and transform models of foreign trade and outbound investment to continue the shift from quantitative to qualitative improvement. It is particularly worth noting that China is pursuing a people-centered philosophy of development, allowing a more inclusive and beneficial
NO SLOWDOWN IN SIGHT
AS THE SECOND-LARGEST ECONOMY IN THE WORLD, THE GDP OF CHINA IS MORE THAN US$ 10 TRILLION
Looking to the future, China's economy promises even greater potential in the years to come. The country remains committed to the advancement of structural adjustment and cultivating a new momentum for development through its opening-up policy, as well as other reforms and innovation. In the coming 15 years, China will have an even larger market and more comprehensive development. It is estimated that China will import US$ 24 trillion worth of goods, attract US$ 2 trillion foreign direct investment, and make US$ 2 trillion in outbound investment. In November 2018, China will hold the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai, which will provide a new platform for expanding cooperation between China and other countries. China's market will become even more open in the future. It is bound to bring more business opportunities to enterprises from all countries, including the likes of Denmark. THE-INTL.
CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
9
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION: A SINO-DANISH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP Bilateral cooperation in research and innovation has contributed significantly to the China and Denmark Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The inauguration of the new Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research (SDC) in Beijing, and Denmark’s participation as a country of honour of the Pujiang Innovation Forum 2017 have further strengthened cooperation in research and innovation.
T
THE LAST FIVE YEARS have seen frequent ministerial visits and meetings focusing on research and innovation between China and Denmark. The 19th session of China-Denmark Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation was held in Copenhagen in April 2016, hosted by the Chinese minister for science and technology Wan Gang and the Danish minister for higher education and science. Regarding each other as an important partner in research and innovation, both countries have agreed that there is great potential that should be further tapped within the scope of research and innovation. In September 2017, the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology of (MoST) and Innovation Fund Denmark (previously Danish Council for Strategic Research), signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in science, technology and innovation, which prioritises biotechnology, medicine and healthcare, agricultural and food technology, renewable energy, environmental technology, circular economy, ICT and Arctic research. Cooperative activities include scientific seminars, workshops, exchange of scientists, training of young talents, exchange and sharing of research facilities and information, joint Research and Development (R&D) projects. The China-Danish as well as joint research programme, sponsored by MoST and Innovation Fund Denmark has funded eighteen bilateral research projects in new energy, smart grid and energy efficiency. The number of scientific publications co-authored by Chinese and Danish academics is increasing rapidly. With funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Danish National Research Foundation. Ten Sino-Danish research centers (also known as centers of excellence) have been established and hosted by several major Chinese and Danish universities as well as the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The past five years have seen the election of Danish scientists Prof. Flemming Besenbacher, a foreign member of CAS and Prof. Preben Terndrup Pedersena, as a foreign members of the Chinese Academy
of Engineering (CAE). Chinese scientist Yang Huanming has been appointed as a member of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters.
ADVANCING A GREENER GLOBE Research and innovation cooperation has greatly benefited the green transition of the two nations and the world. As a partner country of the Denmark-initiated Global Green Growth Forum (3GF), China has conducted successful cooperation with Denmark in green growth and sustainable development goals. There are significant collaborations within the water and environment sectors between the two countries. The China-European Water Platform, with its secretariats in Beijing and Copenhagen, has initiated many multilateral and bilateral projects. With the funding and technical support of the Danish government, China has established the China National Renewable Energy Center. An array of demonstration projects have been implemented focusing on cooperation in wind energy, thermal power plant flexibility, green heating, energy efficiency and more. The visit to Denmark by the Chinese energy administrator Nur Bekri in September 2017 has put new momentum to the bilateral energy cooperation. The increasing R&D investment of Chinese companies in Denmark is remarkable, especially in the local high-tech industries. Huanwei, BGI, Goldwind
and other Chinese companies have started their businesses in Denmark, with some setting up local R&D centers. A new business incubator, the Innovation House China-Denmark, has been established in Copenhagen with partners from both countries. Catering to the trend of increasing mutual investment, this incubator includes the likes of City of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Capacity, Vækstfabrikkerne, Hansong Technology, Beijing Inhope Investment and Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute. The 19th CPC National Congress, convened in Beijing in October, 2017, has ushered in a new era for China with more ambitious development goals and plans. With China’s innovation-driving strategy and the aspiration to build a prosperous and beautiful China, the cooperation between China and Denmark in research and innovation is expected to be greatly strengthened in the coming years. THE-INTL.
INCREASING R&D INVESTMENT OF CHINESE COMPANIES IN DENMARK IS REMARKABLE, ESPECIALLY IN THE LOCAL HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES.
CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
10
TIBET FORGING AHEAD
ON A STABLE DEVELOPMENT PATH Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) has seen great development and stability in the past five years. The region is expected to further progress in line with President Xi Jinping’s New Era approach.
T
THE GDP OF THE Tibet Autonomous Region reached 114.8 billion yuan (US$ 16.5 billion), achieving an 11.5 percent growth and the 24th straight year of double-digit growth. The figures show good momentum of economic growth in Tibet, considering a global economic downturn. In the year of 2016, TAR's fixed asset investment increased by 20 percent, amounting to 161 billion yuan. The per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents reached 27,857 yuan and 9,316 yuan respectively. The plateau region received over 23 million tourists, with a total revenue of 33 billion yuan, which helped provide jobs for more than 97,000 farmers and herdsmen. In addition, various measures were taken by the central and regional government to alleviate poverty and improve people’s livelihoods. More than 130,000 people on the plateau were pulled out of poverty. BUILDING A BETTER TIBET As reported by the Xinhua News Agency in September 2017, since 2012, Tibet has significantly progressed in constructing infrastructure including roads, power,
water and communications which have energised the economic and social development of the region. A total of 739 kilometers of highway have been built or are under construction in the region. The past five years have also seen a new large hydropower station and airports constructed in the region. The per capita disposable income of rural residents in Tibet reached 9,316 yuan (US$ 1,416) in 2016, a 13 percent increase compared with the same period in 2015, according to data released by the autonomous government in February 2017. During the 12th Five-Year Plan, 2.6 billion yuan was invested in public cultural projects in Tibet. The region has been actively working on international communication to present the image of a "socialist new Tibet" to the world. This has created a stable international environment for the reform and development of Tibet. In the past five years, Tibet has also maintained a harmonious and stable condition in terms of religious and ethnic issues. Since 2012 the autonomous Communist Party commission has im-
proved the management of 1,787 temples in Tibet, promoting and leading religious groups to love the country and Buddhism, as previously reported in the Tibet Daily. An annual fund of 26 million yuan is provided to lamas and nuns in Tibet for social insurance.
CONSOLIDATING AND DEVELOPING THE PATRIOTIC UNITED FRONT China is a multi-ethnic country. The united front is considered an important way to ensure the success of the country’s development. Under this auspice, China will uphold the banner of patriotism and socialism, strive to achieve great unity and solidarity, balance commonality and diversity, and expand common ground and the convergence of interests. In handling its relationships with other Chinese political parties, the Communist Party of China is guided by the principles of long-term coexistence, mutual oversight, sincerity, and sharing the rough times and the smooth. It supports these parties in performing their duties in accordance with the requirements of the Chinese socialist system
for their participation in governance. Concerning the many ethnic groups in the county, it is the Party’s policy to heighten public awareness of ethnic unity and progress, and create a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. This policy will see more exchanges and interactions among different ethnic groups. THE-INTL.
THE GDP OF THE TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION REACHED 114.8 BILLION YUAN (US$ 16.5 BILLION)
CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
THE CHINESE Spring F estival
The Spring Festival is marked during the Chinese New Year in the lunar calendar, commonly referred to as ‘Guo Nian’ (spending the New Year). Falling on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month, often one month later than the Gregorian calendar, the Spring Festival is the most ceremonious and joyfully celebrated traditional festival in Chinese folk culture. It is also regarded as an intangible cultural heritage of China.
W
WELCOME IN THE YEAR OF THE DOG In China, the four seasons of the year are subdivided into 24 solar terms. Farmers seed and reap in accordance with these solar terms. When the Chinese New Year comes, it signals the coming of springtime and the beginning of another cycle of seeding and reaping. People naturally welcome this festival with singing and dancing joyfully. As a significant part of Chinese traditional culture, the 12 Chinese zodiac signs are composed of the national totem of the ‘Dragon’ and 11 other animals in the natural world. Also known as ‘animal zodiac’, it is an ancient Chinese zodiac cycle that ranges 12 years, following the signs of Rat, Cow, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig in succession. The year 2018 is the Year of the Dog which starts on 16 February. In Chinese culture, the dog is the symbol of loyalty and honesty. People born in the Year of Dog are supposed to be friendly, faithful, and have a strong sense of responsibility. With the approach of the Spring Festival each year, many Chinese make the journey back home in order to spend the festival with family members and pay tribute to their ancestors. On New Year’s Eve, the whole family will get together for the most important meal of the year. When it comes to the Spring Festival every year, approximately one billion Chinese people are on the go for this homecoming. With rich New Year food being served such as Jiaozi (dumplings), the indispensable food of the Spring Festival, the whole family will enjoy the reunion, engaged in pleasant conversation and share the beautiful prospects for the coming year. On the very first morning of the New Year, firecrackers are set off as soon as the door is opened in order to invite good luck. After that the ground is covered with red fragments from the exploded firecrackers like a floor of brocade. It’s called ‘Full House Red’. Temple festivities and celebration activities are held on the streets or in the parks. The whole block will be shrouded in an auspicious atmosphere with plenty of jubilation which will last until the 15th day of the 1st lunar month. In addition to traditional folk activities in celebration of the Spring Festival, Chinese people have recently developed such activities as travelling, planting trees, watching movies, among others, to spend a healthy, fashionable and environmentally friendly New Year. THE-INTL.
THE YEAR 2018 IS THE YEAR OF THE DOG, WHICH STARTS ON 16 FEBRUARY 2018.
11
12
CHINESE EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT / THE INTERNATIONAL - JANUARY 2018
CULTURAL EVENTS DURING CHINESE NEW YEAR
A
AS ONE OF the biggest celebrations co-held by the Chinese Embassy in Denmark and Ministry of Culture of China, ‘Happy Chinese New Year’ is an influential cultural brand created by the Ministry of Culture of China in 2010, which is now quite popular around the world. In 2017, over 2000 programmes had been staged in more than 500 cities in 140 countries and regions, reaching 280 million people, in 2018 the number of programmes around the world will be slight increased, and the Happy Chinese New Year Performance in Denmark is one of those bright celebrations. Since 2002, celebrations for the Chinese New Year have taken place in Denmark. Performances by professional art troupes from China touring around Denmark during Chinese New Year are major events for ‘Happy Chinese New Year’, and have been well-received by Danish audiences. The year of 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Denmark comprehensive strategic partnership. As the first big event of the year, ‘Happy Chinese New Year’ 2018 will be the first celebration for this special occasion. Performance will be put on by Jilin Province art troupe which excels at group dancing and traditional Chinese instruments. The dancing group of Jilin Province art troupe is
a prestigious team in China which has participated in many important cultural events and been awarded various prizes. Their works combine traditional Chinese dancing style with the culture of local people and minority groups, and thereby providing the audience with unique aesthetic and cultural experiences. Four musicians of four traditional Chinese instruments, namely, Chinese Zither, Dulcimer, Lute and Flute will join the Jilin Province art troupe, presenting a typically Chinese melody to Danish audiences. Cosponsored by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Denmark with the local governments of Ballerup, Helsingør, Horsens, Kolding, Sønderborg, and Aarhus, the Friendship Association Denmark-China, and Music Confucius Institute in Denmark, the Jilin Province Art Troupe will perform in Copenhagen, Ballerup, Helsingør, Horsens, Kolding, Sønderborg, and Aarhus during 20-28 January 2018. Another major event during the Chinese New Year is ‘Lighten-up Copenhagen’ which will be held from January 16 to February 12. Aiming to create a joyful atmosphere of Chinese New Year during the dark winter time of Denmark, together with KBH K and Wonderful Copenhagen, the Chinese Embassy will co-hold a
series of cultural activities and hanging colourful Chinese-style lanterns on Strøget street and in the shops alongside the street. The FU (Lucky) Shopping Festival (January 16 to February 12) is one of the main events of ‘Lighten-up Copenhagen’. During the FU (Lucky) Shopping Festival, people can go to certain shops alongside the pedestrian streets of Copenhagen to get intriguing Red Envelops with the Chinese character FU on the surface and discount vouchers inside. According to Chinese tradition, turning the character FU upside down conveys the meaning that good luck will be brought to you for the whole year. THE-INTL.