A Partnership Beyond Slogans: China and Arab World Cement Strategic Ties with a Captivating Mid-Autumn Festival Concert in Jordan

Cementing China's commitment to deepening its strategic and cultural ties with the Arab world, the Chinese Cultural Center in Jordan hosted a lively Chinese folk music concert on Wednesday evening to mark the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival. Titled "An Unforgettable Moment," the event was organized under the guidance of the Chinese Embassy in Amman, in close collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism of Gansu Province.

In his opening speech, Gong Anmin, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Jordan, underscored the vital role of cultural exchange as a critical bridge for fostering mutual understanding and friendship between China and Jordan. Anmin highlighted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, strategic cooperation between the two nations has continued to deepen, while people-to-people friendship has grown steadily. He expressed hope that the concert would "narrow the distance between our hearts and write a new chapter in the friendship between China and Jordan."

Lina Al-Tall, Director of the National Centre for Culture and Arts, emphasized the historical roots of the relationship, noting that the ancient Silk Road bears witness to the long history of friendly exchanges. Al-Tall stressed that the Jordanian and Chinese people share core cultural values, such as respect for elders, love of family, and generosity, adding that the full moon holds a special symbolic significance in both cultures. She viewed the artistic gathering as a pivotal moment not just to celebrate cultural ties but to deepen friendship and mutual understanding.

The performances were delivered by the acclaimed Gansu Provincial Opera Troupe, which boasts an 86-year history. The troupe opened with the vibrant traditional piece "The Dance of the Golden Snake," followed by captivating classics like "Colourful Clouds Chasing the Moon," "Jasmine Flower," "Camel Bells on the Silk Road," and "The Moon over the Border Mountain," which earned waves of applause. A unique feature of the event was the innovative segments that highlighted cultural integration, where the troupe performed other pieces, including "Silver-Winged Bird," "Harvest Home," and "Mid-Autumn Moon," using a host of traditional Chinese instruments such as the Ruan, Erhu, bamboo flute, Yangqin, and Guzheng. This allowed the Jordanian audience to experience the richness of Chinese folk instruments and the unique charm of Gansu's arts.

In a special gesture, Jordanian students from the Al-Bunyyat Special Education Centre were invited by the organizers to participate in the performance. The event was attended by senior Jordanian cultural officials and over 300 guests from Jordanian cultural circles and the Chinese community residing in Jordan.