2025 Macao Int'l Parade held to mark 26th anniv. of Macao's return to motherland

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 2025 Macao International Parade celebrating the 26th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland was held on Sunday.

With a verdant Loong (Chinese dragon) made of bamboo, a handmade armor performance from Japan, and an elephant hat dance from South Korea showing up in front of the Ruins of St. Paul's, the international parade officially set off.

These were part of the 83 performing teams from 15 countries and regions across the world, such as China, Portugal, France, and Egypt.

Upholding the spirit of "Love, Peace and Cultural Integration" while promoting Macao's designation as a "Culture City of East Asia 2025," this year's parade featured local groups and participating groups worldwide, totaling an estimated 1,800 artists.

Together with Macao, Huzhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province, Anseong of South Korea, and Kamakura City of Japan were designated as the "Culture City of East Asia 2025" in September 2024 as well, with their teams invited to participate in this year's parade to demonstrate the charm and vitality of East Asian culture.

"We come here every year with our families to watch the parade. And this year, we've seen a lot of different, distinctive and wonderful performances. It's lively and we are very happy," said Chan, a Macao resident.

"Many different groups have brought some music and dancing. It's very beautiful," said Nicholas, a tourist from France.

"This came to me as purely astounding.  I've never seen such a parade before. In this city where eastern and western cultures blend, I've seen a lot of exchanges and fusion among different cultures," said Peng Yiran, a student of Macau University of Science and Technology.

According to Macao's Cultural Affairs Bureau, the parade is a signature festive event of Macao. Since its first edition in 2011, it has entered its 11th edition and has become one of the events celebrating Macao's return to the motherland, drawing the participation of residents and tourists from around the world.

The parade procession set off from the Ruins of St. Paul's and passed through old streets and alleys in the historic center of Macao. The final performance held at Sai Van Lake Square marked the opening of the "Culture City of East Asia" program, where various performing groups staged a vibrant and artistic celebration.

In addition, Macao will hold a range of cultural, sports and tourism events to promote international people-to-people exchanges.

2025 Macao Int'l Parade held to mark 26th anniv. of Macao's return to motherland

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who is China's lead official for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, held a video call with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at the latter's invitation on Wednesday.

Focusing on the implementation of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call on January 17 this year, the two sides exchanged views on major bilateral economic and trade issues in a candid and in-depth manner.

The Chinese side expressed grave concerns over additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports under the pretext of the fentanyl issue, the Section 301 investigation that target Chinese imports, and planned "reciprocal" tariffs.

Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 authorizes the U.S. Trade Representative to impose tariffs or other import restrictions on foreign products after determining that "an act, policy, or practice of a foreign country is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts United States commerce."

Both sides confirmed their belief that stable China-U.S. economic and trade relations are in the interests of both countries and agreed to maintain communication on each other's concerns.

Chinese vice premier, US trade representative hold video call on economic issues