China and Brunei recently celebrated 35 years of diplomatic relations with a series of cultural exchange events. The China Intercontinental Communication Center organized the events in Brunei, which included "My Dream" performances, the Brunei China Food Festival 2026, and a strategic cooperation agreement. These events aimed to deepen cultural understanding and strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries. The events showcased the rich cultural heritage of both nations and provided a platform for people-to-people exchanges.
The "My Dream" performances were held on September 18 and 19 at the Jerudong International School theater. Artists with disabilities from China and Brunei shared the stage in two performances, which were jointly organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Brunei Darussalam, the China Intercontinental Communication Center, Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Brunei-China Friendship Association. More than 1,100 people attended the two performances, including dignitaries and foreign envoys. The event was a huge success, with guests praising the talent and resilience of the performers.
Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Chen Shaochun highlighted the progress in bilateral relations over the past 35 years and reaffirmed China's commitment to friendly relations with its neighbors. He emphasized the importance of strengthening strategic mutual trust, expanding practical cooperation, and advancing the building of a China-Brunei community with a shared future. In a written message, Pengiran Shamhary, minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, noted that performances and cultural exchanges helped the two countries better understand and appreciate each other's values and aspirations.
The "My Dream" performances featured 45 members of the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe, who presented more than 10 works, including "Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva" and "Scholars with Paper Fans." They shared the stage with 20 local performers with disabilities from Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam and Pusat Bahagia. The program included popular songs such as "The Moon Represents My Heart" and "Aku yang Dulu Bukan yang Sekarang." The heartfelt performances drew prolonged applause and moved many audience members to tears.
The China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe also visited schools and communities for performances and exchanges, giving more people a chance to experience the artists' talent and resilience firsthand. Dr. Muhammad Firdaus bin Abdul Rahman, president of the Brunei-China Friendship Association, said the troupe's return after more than two decades demonstrated the enduring friendship and close personal ties between the two countries. These cultural connections strengthened efforts to build a China-Brunei community with a shared future.
The celebration continued with the opening ceremony and reception for the Brunei China Food Festival 2026 at Emperor's Court Restaurant on September 20. Master chefs from Donglaishun and Quanjude demonstrated traditional techniques, including hand-slicing lamb and roasting ducks suspended in an oven, showcasing Beijing's halal cuisine and China's broader halal food traditions. Ambassador Chen described food as a language that transcends borders and invited guests to discover China's diverse flavors.
The China Intercontinental Communication Center and the Brunei-China Friendship Association signed a framework agreement establishing a long-term strategic partnership. The agreement covers arts and culture, youth exchanges, cultural tourism and food, charitable and cultural initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges across ASEAN. The partnership aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding between China and Brunei, and to strengthen their friendship.
Key points
- China and Brunei celebrated 35 years of diplomatic relations with cultural exchange events.
- The events included "My Dream" performances and the Brunei China Food Festival 2026.
- A strategic cooperation agreement was signed to establish a long-term partnership between China and Brunei.
