Zhao Haisheng, Deputy Director of the Chinese Ministry of Culture's Bureau for External Cultural Relations

Chinese had the opportunity to learn more about South Africa during the Year of South Africa observed in China in 2014. Now South Africans have the chance to better understand China's development and appreciate Chinese culture during the Year of China to be observed in South Africa this year, the first time such an event is being organized on the African continent. Zhao Haisheng, Deputy Director of the Chinese Ministry of Culture's Bureau for External Cultural Relations, spoke to ChinAfrica Assistant Executive Editor Liu Wei about the cultural exchanges between China and South Africa. Excerpts follow:

ChinAfrica: What was the effect of the Year of South Africa in China activities on the Chinese?

Zhao Haisheng: In the past, Chinese people knew about South Africa's natural scenery, Nelson Mandela, diamonds, soccer, and even the country's public security problems. However, in recent years, the "Culture in Focus" initiative, held in alternate years in Africa and China, has deepened Sino-African cultural exchanges. After the Year of South Africa in China in 2014, Chinese have a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of South Africa. The activities held not only showcased South Africa's culture, but also presented its society, economic development and achievements. In the cultural arena, the Chinese Ministry of Culture worked with South Africa's Department of Arts and Culture and the South African Embassy in China to organize activities and events which not only showcased traditional South African culture but also highlighted how its unique modern culture has blended with the Western culture.

What kind of images will the Year of China events present to South Africans?

South Africans may know about Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, martial arts and Chinese food, which are just parts of Chinese culture. As one of the organizers [of this year's program], we hope to present to local people through various activities that China is an emerging [economy], and a responsible country with confidence in its own culture, showing harmony and tolerance. Apart from projecting a good image, it's important to deepen understanding between our peoples, enhance mutual friendship, and convey the message that China longs for peace and advocates harmony.

How many Chinese provinces will participate in the events in South Africa? China has rich cultural resources, so what are the criteria for selecting the cultural events?

Eight provinces and six cities will take part in this year's events. China has rich cultural resources and we have selected the events using two criteria: diversity and excellence. We are showcasing not only traditional Chinese culture but have also taken into account modern culture, ethnic culture, folk culture and intangible cultural heritage. In addition, Chinese and South African artists will perform together on stage during some activities. Chinese artists will also attend South Africa's cultural festivals such as the Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival and the National Arts Festival [in Grahamstown], during which artists can exchange [thoughts and skills] and learn from one another. In addition, cultural performances, exhibitions, seminars, a cultural week and a film week will be held to give South Africans a colorful and real look at China.

What, in a nutshell, are the events planned for the 2015 Year of China in South Africa? Which activities do you look forward to most?

Over 100 events have been planned, including around 20 major government-led activities and many small and medium-sized events in a variety of forms. They will be held in South Africa's major cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, as well as medium and small cities. Chinese cultural groups will perform not only in theaters but also in local schools and town halls. The aim is to give as many South Africans as possible an opportunity to experience the charm of Chinese culture.

All the events are colorful and I look forward to all of them. We will also provide a platform for Sino-South African cooperation in the cultural industry. For example, the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and Television will take some Chinese cultural enterprises to South Africa to attend a China-South Africa cultural industry seminar. Joburg Ballet (one of South Africa's biggest professional ballet companies) has invited Liaoning Ballet of China to perform Swan Lake together and they will conduct 21 commercial tours around South Africa. Both countries are hoping for cultural industry cooperation.

Besides traditional forms of cultural exchanges, what new forms will be adopted in the future? 

Performances, exhibitions and visits by government delegations are the main forms of Sino-African cultural exchanges which have played an irreplaceable role in promoting people-to-people contact and deepening our traditional friendship over a long period of time.

In recent years, along with the economic development of China and African countries, people's cultural needs have diversified and increased. Thus the forms of cultural exchanges between us have been enriched and expanded. For instance, we have strengthened human resources training, launched a variety of bilateral and multilateral projects, such as visiting artist programs, and organized a roundtable on China-Africa cultural industries and a forum on China-Africa cultural heritage protection. We have established four training bases for Africans, and hosted training in martial arts, animation, embroidery and making bamboo products. These have all achieved good results.

We are also strengthening exchanges and cooperation in the field of television. For example, Chinese TV series such as A Beautiful Daughter-in-Law Era are big hits in Africa. In the future, we hope Africans can better understand China and its people through mass media, especially new media.