Festival aims to bridge cultural gap
China Daily  Updated: 2005-10-10 06:03

Brooks can converge into a mighty torrent, as the saying goes. An important brook is running all the way to Washington, which should contribute to better understanding between China and the United States.

Several US congressmen have tabled a concurrent resolution of the US Senate and House of Representatives, supporting a month-long Festival of China in Washington and calling for more efforts to promote understanding and co-operation between the two countries.

The Festival of China, an unprecedented cultural event co-sponsored by China and the United States, began at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington on October 1 with dazzling art shows, joyous celebrations and fireworks displays. Serving as a medium to show the Chinese people's openness to the world, the festival will run through October and feature dozens of shows, exhibitions and performances.

Senator Dianne Feinstein tabled the bill on the festival of China on September 30. Representatives Mark Kirk and Rick Larsen submitted it to the House on October 7. The bill said the Festival of China "provides a unique opportunity for bilateral co-operation."

"The diverse array of cultural contributions made by Chinese artists based in China, the United States, and around the world benefit the entire international community," the bill said, adding that the Kennedy Center, along with the Chinese Ministry of Culture, should be commended for promoting Chinese achievements in the arts at the festival.

The bill stated that cultural events such as the Festival of China help strengthen diplomatic, commercial and political co-operation between the United States and China.

"Additional efforts that promote cultural understanding between the United States and China should be encouraged," the bill said.

The ongoing Festival of China is one of the channels for exchanges between the two countries, which have been developing on various levels through cultural, scientific and educational programmes. They serve as a vital tool for advancing mutual understanding and co-operation between the peoples of the two countries.

The Chinese are no strangers to American culture as personified by films, Broadway musicals and pop music, especially in urban areas.

High hopes are pinned on the festival, the largest celebration of Chinese performing arts in American history. It is hoped Americans will garner a vivid picture of Chinese culture.

The festival is being held to contribute to the healthy relationship between China and the United States.

Bilateral relations are on a boat that has constantly been buffeted by rising winds and moved by the tides.

This does not necessarily mean the boat should stop or turn back to port.

A boat sailing against the current must forge ahead or it will be driven back.

Obviously, the bill from the US congressmen is helping to calm the wind and waves because the two countries have to keep their relations on an even keel.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.

Two members of the global village, China and the United States are still learning to get on well with each other. The most practical step that can be taken is getting to know each other better.

(China Daily 10/10/2005 page4)

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