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    'Chinese Mela': Celebrating 65 Years of Pak-China Relations

    Written by: Sana Shahid
    Posted on: May 24, 2016 |

    The Hunan Provincial Performing Art Group of China with a classical Chinese dance routine

    In a spectacle of festivity and celebration, the Chinese Mela was held at Lok Virsa, Islamabad, on the 21st and 22nd of May, 2016. The event aimed to honor the 65th Anniversary of Pak-China Relations, and was inaugurated by H.E. Ambassador Sun Weidong and Madam Bao Ji Qing, along with Pakistan’s Minister of Information, Senator Pervaiz Rashid.

    The Mela emphasized Chinese culture and cuisine, and consisted of a photographic exhibition, as well as craftwork from Pakistani and Chinese artisans. The Mela concluded with a delightful musical ceremony at the symbolic Pak-China Friendship Center, comprising performances by tremendously skilled artists, from both Pakistan and China.

    The event started off with a speech by the Chinese Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Sun Weidong, who heartily encouraged the organizers and expressed admiration for all the performers present. He stated that, 65 years ago, Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China. Ever since, China-Pakistan relations have set an example for the growth of state-to-state relations, treating each other with mutual respect, support and understanding over the decades.

    Chinese Mela: Celebrating 65 Years of Pak-China Relations

    Addressing the audience, Senator Pervaiz Rashid said that this 65th anniversary is not just a formal occasion; it is a unique celebration of a unique relationship. He added that poetic expressions such as ‘higher than the Himalayas’, ‘deeper than the oceans’ and ‘sweeter than honey’ have been used as adjectives to describe the Pak-China friendship.

    Chinese Mela: Celebrating 65 Years of Pak-China Relations

    Singer Mo Qian Qian performing a Miao National Song

    The Hunan Provincial Performing Art Group of China and PNCA (Pakistan National Council of the Arts) expertly handled all the preparations and provided an aesthetic feast to visitors from both countries. Clad in vibrant costumes and sparkling jewelry, Chinese performers showcased their culture through extravagant traditional dances and classical music. The dances were exquisitely synchronized, taking the audience on a trip across traditional China. The interactive musical performances also kept the viewers engaged. Mo Qian Qian, one of the singers, not only sang the Miao National Song, but ended her performance with a rendition of Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan. This lovely act won the hearts of the audience, and was one of the highlights of the show.

    Another mesmerizing act was the Jiang Bang Shang de Balei (‘Ballet Shoulder’). The live ballet stunts and steps of the performing couple, with remarkably soothing music in the background, showed their expertise and amazed the crowd. There was a round of applause after every few moments during this performance.

    The Pakistani performers highlighted classical music and folk dances in their acts, using traditional musical instruments. The Chinese audience cherished the folk dances, colorful dresses, and desi beats. The Pakistani acts comprised performances from all four provinces. Diva Dance, a Balochi act, brought a high level of excitement in the crowd. One could feel their energy and intensity on stage, enhanced by the dresses, ornamentation, and hypnotizing dance steps. The performance concluded with a huge round of applause.

    One particularly intriguing aspect in this exchange of cultures was the inclusion of various traditional instruments. Zhon Yan played a striking classical Chinese instrument, Er Hu, which captivated the Pakistani audience. On the other hand, people from China were enthralled by the Tabla, Baansuri, and Rubab, which created classical mellow symphonies that echoed in the hall till the conclusion of the event.

    Chinese Mela: Celebrating 65 Years of Pak-China Relations

    Group photo of all the performers and event managers

    Closing the night, a group of Chinese dancers named ‘Huan Le De Zi Ka’ threw souvenirs towards the audience. In order to spread the message of love and mutual respect, they also brought various audience members to the stage, including the chief guests. This provided the perfect conclusion to a day that was focused on celebrating the friendship between two countries, and that will hopefully serve as a gateway to more of such cultural exchanges.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021