The 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum was held in Tokyo from Wednesday to Thursday, with the goal of further promoting cooperation between China and Japan.
With the theme of restoring peace and rebuilding a global order based on multilateral cooperation through China-Japan cooperation, the forum attracted over 400 officials and representatives from various sectors of the two countries and focused on topics such as fostering multilateral cooperation, ensuring peace and stability, enhancing political trust, deepening economic ties, and promoting cultural exchanges.
"I think the fact that we have gotten over a lot of issues and continued our dialogue has great significance. We should further deepen exchanges between young people and our cultures. Japan and China have been interacting since around 500 AD. Japan was considerably influenced by China. I think we should communicate more," said Takehiko Nakao, former president of the Asian Development Bank.
The forum is seen as a key pillar in maintaining healthy relations and dialogue between China and Japan, according to participants.
"I hope the relationship between Japan and China will continue forever. Since we are involved in many cultural exchanges, I felt that there is a need to further deepen the relationship between Japan and China. I've been to China several times. One year ago, I studied in China for about a year. During my stay in China, I experienced Chinese culture and many aspects of Chinese society. I like China very much," said forum participant Chihaku Umekawa.
"I think that cultural exchanges and conversation among the younger generation of Japan and China are very important," said another participant Anna Moromizato.
Founded in 2005, the annual forum serves as an important platform for interaction and communication between officials and the public of China and Japan.
The 20th forum was jointly organized by the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration and Japan's Genron NPO, with support from China's State Council Information Office and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Participants of Beijing-Tokyo Forum express hope for more China-Japan exchanges
A contemporary Chinese art exhibition has been held at the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, playing a vibrant role in fostering cultural ties between the East and the West. The exhibits, including brush paintings and sculptures on mountains, rivers, plants, blend traditional brushwork with Western influences, creating a serene, meditative atmosphere.
The artists' deep connection with the natural world is a window that the "Chinese Xieyi exhibition'' at the Hungarian National Museum presents to the public to explore Chinese philosophy, according to Tunde FegyvAri-Komori, curator of the Hungarian National Museum.
"This exhibition is a collection of 58 artworks, including four sculptures from 58 different artists, from the National Art Museum of China's collection. And they represent modern and contemporary artworks, partly reflecting back to the traditional Chinese painting and Chinese art, and partly reflecting to Western influences in art, which mostly started arriving in China after the 1970s and the 80s," said FegyvAri-Komori.
Much of the exhibition showcases traditional Chinese brushwork, where delicate strokes create intricate designs and meanings that express deep philosophical meanings, allowing viewers to experience the world from their perspective.
"The Chinese curators constructed the exhibition around these three topics and these three main aspects to approach Xieyi itself. The first one is called 'yi', which translates as meaning. This focuses on the essence of the topic. The second one is form, which in Chinese is 'xing,' and it's quite similar to meaning, but from a different approach. They are focusing on the form itself that they see, but they are not aiming at mirroring reality. The third one is called 'interest,' or in Chinese called 'qu.' And in this last part, I would say that it's a combination of the first two," said FegyvAri-Komori.
One standout piece is a sculpture that blends mythology and modern art, depicting Lao Tzu departing from the Qin Empire (221 BC to 207 BC), carrying the wisdom that shaped Taoist thought with him. The ox-head panther he rides symbolizes mysticism and the spiritual journey, adding another mythical dimension to the work.
"It expresses Xieyi very well, but at the same time, it also expresses a little bit of Western modern art, abstract art," said FegyvAri-Komori.
For many visitors, the exhibition is a chance to experience the dynamic evolution of Chinese art.
"My father had several books about Chinese art, about porcelains, ceramics, and paintings. It always struck me how different it is from our European tradition. There's a subtlety and sensitivity in it. The way they express emotions feels so unique and profound," said Daniel, a visitor.
The exhibition, part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China, celebrates cultural exchange and shared appreciation for art and culture.
Contemporary Chinese art expo held in Hungary helps cultivate ties between east and west
