Gift featuring unique African tree symbolizes good wishes for China-Burkina Faso ties

Among the exhibits displayed in the Exhibition of Diplomatic Gifts Received by China's Leaders currently on display in Beijing, a gift from Burkina Faso stands out for its deep cultural significance as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. 

The China-Africa relationship is once again in the spotlight as the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) approaches. Episode 5 of CGTN's special program "Gifts of Friendship" featured a bronze sculpture of a baobab tree presented by then-Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kabore to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Baobab trees are a unique plant growing on the African savanna. The trees can grow to heights of several dozen meters, with trunks so thick that some can take more than 30 people holding hands to encircle. Their large, bread-shaped fruit is a favorite food for many species of monkey in the region. 

"This copper sculpture of a baobab tree was presented to President Xi Jinping by his then-Burkina Faso counterpart Kabore during his visit to China when he attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2018 upon invitation," said Hou Chunyan, curator of the exhibition.

In Burkina Faso and other African nations, baobab trees symbolize vitality, resilience, and adaptability. They frequently appear in social rituals and art. This artwork also showcases the rich tradition of copper sculpture in West Africa. 

"Burkina Faso's copper-sculpting skills are renowned throughout West Africa. Copper items are often used to symbolize longevity and continuity. [This gift] not only reflects Burkina Faso's distinct cultural and geographical traits and traditional craftsmanship, but also conveys its sincere wishes for an enduring friendship and lasting peace between the two countries," said Hou. 

The 2024 summit of the FOCAC will be held in the Chinese capital city of Beijing from Sept. 4 to 6. The summit, under the theme of "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future," is expected to include the participation of African heads of state, as well as representatives from regional and international African organizations involved in summit-related activities. 

Gift featuring unique African tree symbolizes good wishes for China-Burkina Faso ties

China's meteorological authorities on Saturday renewed blue alerts for cold waves and strong winds, with sharp drops in temperature and powerful winds expected to hit parts of the country in the coming days.

From Saturday to Thursday, temperatures in most parts of China will fall by six to 10 degrees Celsius, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

Some places in the northwestern, northern and northeastern parts of China are expected to experience temperature drops between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius, with some areas up to 16 degrees Celsius.

The center also renewed a blue alert for strong winds for regions including Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Xizang, Ningxia, the Taiwan Strait, the sea area off the east of Taiwan, and parts of the South China Sea.

According to the forecast, northern parts of China will see strong winds between force five and six, with gusts reaching force eight. Offshore winds are expected to hit force eight, with gusts reaching force nine. The NMC has urged vessels in potentially affected sea areas to take precautions against the dangerous conditions.

In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a snowstorm struck the Tianshan Mountains along National Highway 218 on Friday, with wind gusts reaching force 10. Visibility in some sections dropped to under 50 meters, while heavy snow and ice have caused dangerous driving conditions.

Meanwhile, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province has seen its first major snowfall of the season, with accumulations ranging from 4 to 8 millimeters. Road maintenance teams have been deployed to clear snow and apply anti-slip measures to ensure road safety for motorists.

China has a three-tier, color-coded weather warning system for cold waves, with orange representing the most severe weather, followed by yellow and blue.

China renews alerts for cold waves, strong winds