From 21 to 27 May 2014, ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) together with the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, and the Myanmar-China Friendship Association, jointly organized the cultural visit of Chinese Monkey King Actor, better known as Liuxiaolingtou to Myanmar. The visit also coincided with the actor's shooting as leading role in a Chinese series TV drama “Journey to the West” broadcasting on Myanmar Skynet TV station. Overall, the actor's visit to Myanmar was a huge success.
During the visit to Myanmar, Secretary-General Ma Mingqiang and Liuxiaolingtou paid a courtesy call to H.E. U Sai Mauk Kham,Vice President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Foreign Minister H.E. U Wunna Maung Lwin. H. E. U Sai Mauk Kham said China and Myanmar had a good neighbourly relationship that shared a similar culture. Government and people-to-people exchanges, as well as cultural exchanges between China and Myanmar were strengthening. “Journey to the West” is a very popular TV drama in Myanmar, which embodies the spirit of struggle and aggressiveness and benefits the society’s stability and development. He also hoped more excellent Chinese films and TV productions could be aired in Myanmar. Sai said that Mr. Liuxiaolingtong is a famous artist, who made great contribution to world peace and development. Moreover, his visit would further enhance the cultural exchange between Myanmar and China.
H.E. U Wunna Maung Lwin said the friendship between Myanmar and China had a long history, with deep friendship between the two peoples. Myanmar has gotten strong support from China in the political, economy and social development. Myanmar State Leaders participated in the opening ceremony of 2014 ASEAN-China Cultural Exchange Year in Beijing this April, and would be hosting its closing ceremony in Myanmar at the end of this year. The “Journey to the West” was extremely popular in Myanmar today, and had won the hearts from the local people. Louxiaolingtong was a famous artists who can be written in the history, and the Monkey King character was well-known to every household in Myanmar. This visit had enhanced the friendship between two peoples.
Secretary-General Ma Mingqiang stated that China and Myanmar were linked by mountains and rivers with the long history of friendship. This year marks the ASEAN-China Cultural Exchange Year, and this cultural tour to Myanmar would further promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. “Journey to the West” showcased the pursuit of ideals, positive attitude to life, aspire for friendship and peace. The TV drama remained widely popular in Myanmar for many years, which proved the local people's affinity to its concept. ACC would spare no effort to support the cultural exchange between China and Myanmar, and remained devoted to promoting friendly cooperation in various fields.
Liuxiaolingtong was very impressed with the visit to Myanmar, where he felt the affection and support of the people of Myanmar for “Journey to the West”. He expressed his wishes to continue to promote China’s traditional culture and world peace. At the same time, he hoped that he would have more opportunities to act in the plays that contribute to the friendship between China and Myanmar.
Liuxiaolingtong held two fan meetings in Yangon and Mandalay separately, where the number of the fans gathered reached far greater than expected. The delegation also visited Yangon Culture University, and donated money and stationaries to orphans, and held friendly exchange with Myanmar China Friendship Association. Liuxiaolingtong was warmly surrounded by Myanmar fans wherever he stayed and was the headline news in every local media. Myanmar China Friendship Association awarded Liuxiaolingtou the title of “Envoy of Friendship between China and Myanmar” for his contribution in promoting China-Myanmar cultural exchange, strengthening friendship between two peoples, as well as the promotion of world peace.
During the visit, Secretary-General Ma Mingqiang also met the President of Myanmar Commercial Association, Minister of Industry of Myanmar and Vice Minister of Hotel and Tourism of Myanmar, to exchange views and discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between China and Myanmar.