On the evening of August 7, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Cook Islands, at the invitation of the Ministry of Cultural Development of Cook Islands and dispatched by the Ministry of Culture of China, Chinese Shenzhen Art Company presented a special performance titled as Impression of China – In Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between China and Cook Islands at the National Auditorium in Rarotonga, capital of the Cook Islands. Around 1,000 people, including Cook Islands' Minster of Health, Hon. Nandi Glassie; Acting Minister of Cultural Development, Hon. Kiriau Turepu, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Development, Anthony Turua, Director of Cultural Section of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand (Cook Islands, Niue), Shen Ming, the citizens of the Cook Islands and staff of local Chinese enterprises as well, attended the event.
In his address before the performance, Secretary Turua expressed his warm welcome to the Shenzhen Art Company. He highly praised the friendly exchanges between the two countries in the cultural field since the establishment of diplomatic relations. He still vividly remembered the performance staged by the Shenzhen Art Company in 2015 for in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Cook Islands. Mr Turua reviewed his visit to Guangdong Province of China in recent years, which left him a deep impression of China's development and culture. He believed that the Shenzhen Art Company's visit this time would provide another opportunity for the Cook Island's people to enjoy the highlights of the Chinese culture and art.
On behalf of Ambassador Wang Lutong, Director Shen Ming expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Cultural Development of Cook Islands for its invitation to the Shenzhen Art Company. Mr. Shen noted that the Chinese Embassy highly values China–Cook Islands' relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the bilateral relations have been progressing very well, with increasing exchanges and cooperation in various fields. The Shenzhen Art Company's performance in Cook Islands will further enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
Shenzhen art troupe staged an excellent performance for the audience, including Chinese songs and dances, acrobatics, Peking Opera and Chinese Kung Fu, winning rounds of applause from the amazed audience. The Ministry of Culture Development of Cook Islands also organized a local Maori art troupe to join the performance on the stage. The atmosphere was warm and convivial.
At the end of performance, the VIP guests went onto the stage to take group photos with the performers.
The one hour and half performance passed quickly, but the fantastic charm of the Chinese arts left a hard-to-forget impression deep in the hearts of the Cook Island's people.