An event celebrating multiethnic unity was held in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 2025 Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Week, which began on March 17. During the activity, which was hosted by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission (NEAC), 24 diplomatic envoys from 15 countries visited the Chinese Nation Community Experience Hall in Beijing, gaining firsthand insights into China's ethnic policies and cultural diversity.

The Five-Year Plan of Action on Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (2023-2027) highlights the importance of promoting cooperation in ethnic affairs. In line with this objective, the NEAC has actively implemented the action plan by fostering experience exchange and practical collaboration among LMC countries. To date, it has organized multiple training sessions for ethnic affairs officials, bringing together over 80 participants from the five Mekong River countries.

Duansib Padmasundara Cullen, minister counselor of the Thai Embassy in China, takes part in a craft activity, Beijing, March 19, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

During the event, Duansib Padmasundara Cullen, minister counselor of the Thai Embassy in China, emphasized the shared cultural bonds among LMC countries. "Our LMC countries share many similarities in aspects such as art, craft, tradition and even clothing. The Mekong River bonds us as a family," she said, adding that the mechanism provides valuable opportunities for sharing experiences and best practices.

Cullen highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity in strengthening regional cooperation. "Visa-free policies between China and many LMC countries make it easier for people to meet each other," she said. 

As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, the minister counselor expressed optimism that the strong foundation built over the past decades would continue to yield fruitful outcomes.

Fazeel Najeeb, ambassador of the Maldives to China, Beijing, March 19, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Fazeel Najeeb, ambassador of the Maldives to China, spoke highly of China's efforts to promote unity among its diverse ethnic groups. 

"I think this is a fantastic tour today. It gives us insights into how the Chinese government ensures that all ethnic groups are included in building the nation. It's truly inspirational," he said. 

Najeeb noted that China's ability to unify diverse populations is one of its strengths, adding that the Chinese government recognizes the importance of the unity of different ethnic groups, which is conducive to promoting Chinese modernization. He also called China's multiethnic landscape a "tremendous richness."

Mario Alzugaray Rodriguez, deputy head of mission of the Cuban Embassy in China, has lived in China for 15 years and speaks fluent Chinese. Reflecting on the exhibition in the hall, he remarked that despite some ethnic groups living in remote areas, the Chinese government has made every effort to raise their standard of living. 

"The Communist Party of China puts people first, bringing all 56 ethnic groups together for the well-being and rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," he said.

Sharing his personal experience, Rodriguez noted that Xinjiang cuisine is a favorite in his household, illustrating the rich cultural diversity that he has come to appreciate during his time in China.

Nur Evi Rahmawati, minister counsellor of the Indonesian Embassy in China, highlighted the similarities between China and Indonesia in terms of ethnic diversity.

"There are 56 ethnic groups in China. It represents the diversity of culture in China. All across China, you can experience the rich culture," she said. "Similarly, Indonesia has more than 300 ethnic groups. I think it's good that countries with different cultures share best practices on how we can make this a factor to strengthen a country rather than divide it."

Rahmawati noted that Indonesia's national motto is "Unity in Diversity." She pointed out that this concept is also evident in China, where despite cultural differences, the nation remains unified.

Claudiu Mihail Florian, minister of the Romanian Embassy in China, poses for a photo with two Pingju opera performers, Beijing, March 19, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Claudiu Mihail Florian, minister of the Romanian Embassy in China, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the mark of a strong nation lies in respecting and being respected by its ethnic minorities, and China serves as an example. "The 56 ethnic groups in China are a treasure, and being conscious of this treasure is very wise," he said.

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