Sino-Lesotho ties strengthen through performing arts

The program also presented a solo on the huihu, a traditional Chinese bowed string instrument, a stringed-puppet performance featuring the legendary demon queller Zhong Kui. They concluded with Golden Monkey Celebrates Spring, starring the iconic Monkey King, or Sun Wukong.

Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun said that Wu Opera, with a history spanning over 400 years, offers a vibrant window into traditional Chinese performing arts.

Noting that 2026 marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, Yang emphasized that cultural performances serve as vital bridges for interpersonal connections and lasting friendship between the two nations.

Lesotho's Minister of Gender, Youth, and Social Development Pitso Lesaoana expressed appreciation for China's long-standing support in capacity building, human resource development and technical assistance.

"The relationship between our two countries is not simply between governments and institutions; it is increasingly strengthened through meaningful connections between our peoples," Lesaoana said, calling for deeper bilateral cultural engagement.

Sekhamane commended China's impressive economic development, stressing that people-to-people exchanges form the foundation of strong bilateral ties, while expressing hope for more platforms to enable Basotho artists to perform in China.

XINHUA