Chinese puppetry show launched in Cambodia

A puppeteer pulls strings on a stage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, March 11, 2015. An eight-member troupe of China's Fujian puppetry practitioners performed traditional puppetry here on Wednesday to promote cultural ties between the two countries. (Xinhua/Li Hong)

An eight-member troupe of China's Fujian puppetry practitioners performed the show here on Wednesday.

Held at the Chinese Cultural Mansion in Cambodia, the show drew dozens of viewers, including Cambodian Culture and Fine Arts Secretary of State Samraing Kamsan, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Bu Jianguo and Philippe Delanghe, culture specialist of UNESCO- Cambodia.

Speaking at the opening of the show, Ambassador Bu said the art of puppetry had a history dated back to more than 2,000 years ago in China and have been well preserved from one generation to another.

"Fujian puppetry is not only China's invaluable intangible cultural heritage, but also universally valued heritage," she said.

She added that cultural exchanges between China and Cambodia have greatly contributed to deepening people-to-people relations and have played an active role in further enhancing friendly relations between the two countries.

Samraing Kamsan hailed the show, saying that the event was important to exchange cultural diversity between the two nations.

"This event not only entertains Cambodian and Chinese audience, but also provide a very good opportunity for Cambodian and Chinese artists to meet and share experiences and techniques," he said.

He added that Cambodia is looking forward to continuing further cooperation and other cultural exchanges with China in order to broaden people-to-people relations.

The troupe will also travel to perform in Siem Reap next week.