'Hand-In-Hand' cultural exchange program fosters friendship between Chinese, African children

A group of African children embarked on a visit to China on Sunday to experience local culture and form bonds with their Chinese peers.

Hosted by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the All-China Women's Federation, the China-Africa: Children Hand-In-Hand cultural exchange program is designed to forge stronger ties between Chinese and African children.

At the welcome ceremony held inside the China National Children's Center in Beijing, vibrant cultural performances including dances and martial arts were performed by youngsters from China and five African countries - Namibia, South Africa, Somalia, Uganda and the Central African Republic - to showcase their respective cultural heritages.

Together, the children were invited to color in a large picture that highlights China-Africa friendship.

In the center's intangible cultural heritage area, they shared the charm of traditional Chinese culture as they made scented pouches and shadow puppets.

"I want to introduce our history, culture, and some interesting attractions to African friends, tell China's stories well and serve as a good ambassador of China-Africa friendship to let more foreign children understand and like China," said Lu Xiangyi, a young Chinese girl.

"This is my first time. I'm very happy. I want to learn about the history, and how they do the traditions. I wish that we all become friendly to each other and be friends to expand our friendship," said Orathai, a girl from South Africa.

Over the next six days, children from China and the five African countries will also visit sites such as the Palace Museum in Beijing, as well as cultural sites in central China's Henan Province.

'Hand-In-Hand' cultural exchange program fosters friendship between Chinese, African children

'Hand-In-Hand' cultural exchange program fosters friendship between Chinese, African children

'Hand-In-Hand' cultural exchange program fosters friendship between Chinese, African children

China urged the European Union (EU) to be clearly aware of the harm of imposing additional tariffs, as it will not solve any problems, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.

European Council President Charles Michel said on Friday at the ASEAN summit that China must adapt its behavior to solve the escalating trade row with Europe.

When asked to respond to Michel's statements, Mao said that on the economic and trade disputes between China and the EU, China made clear its position more than once.

"The EU needs to see clearly that higher tariffs solve no problem and will only undermine the EU’s business environment, weaken Chinese companies’ confidence in investment and cooperation in Europe, reduce the competitiveness of the EU’s relevant industry, and destabilize global industrial and supply chains. This will backfire and do no one good. We urge the EU to take concrete actions and work with China to find solutions through consultation and avoid further escalation of the trade frictions," she said.

EU needs to see clearly higher tariffs solve no problem: spokeswoman