On the occasion of the new year, the 2025 GDFAO Night was held in Guangzhou at the Guangdong Museum of Art, graced by the consular corps of over 50 countries on January 9. The event was organized by the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office (GDFAO) with the support of the Guangdong Museum of Art.

The celebration spotlighted arts and culture that transcend barriers of language and nationality and opened up a new chapter of international exchange and closer friendship with Guangdong Province.

Consular corps in Guangzhou attended 2025 GDFAO Night. (Photo/GDFAO)

The 2025 GDFAO Night was highlighted by the classic "Yingge Dance" performance from the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theater, as well as a dazzling drone show on the riverfront platform that overlooks the scenic Bai'etan of Guangzhou. The consular corps had the chance to create their own pieces of Chinese calligraphy by putting down the "Fu" character on red paper and also adding their touches to New Year paper-cuts.

A classic "Yingge Dance" performance hit the stage. (Photo/GDFAO)

Mr. Chen Guangjun, Acting Director General of GDFAO, said in his welcoming speech that Guangdong Province has embraced the global wave of AI technology over the past years, not just rising to exciting challenges but also partnering with the rest of the world. "We have made significant breakthroughs in areas such as industrial robotics, autonomous driving, and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, achieving a leading position nationwide," said Chen.

Consular officials set down the "Fu" character on red paper. (Photo/GDFAO)  

Today in Guangdong, unmanned taxis, cleaning vehicles, and firefighting drones are already in use in specific areas, Chen said, adding that Guangdong will continue to accelerate progress in technological innovation, artificial intelligence, and the low-altitude economy, creating new spaces for international exchange and cooperation. 

For the new year, he noted that GDFAO remains committed to serving as a strong bridge, supporting and assisting the work of consulates in Guangdong, and building diverse platforms for collaboration so that all parties can share the dividends of development.

Mr. Wang Shaoqiang, Director General of the Guangdong Museum of Art, highlighted the vital role of culture in social progress and global connection in a keynote speech. "We firmly believe that culture forms the foundation of social development and interaction, while art serves as the most direct and vivid expression of culture," he said. He expects to see different forms of cultural exchanges and mutual understanding in Guangdong Province for the new year.

A drone show was presented at 2025 GDFAO Night. (Photo/GDFAO)

Mr. Loh Tuck Keat, Consul General of Singapore in Guangzhou, paid his profound tribute to the thrilling year of 2024, and shared his vision for what's to come in 2025 in terms of diplomatic ties with China.

"Several of our countries will be celebrating the milestone year of bilateral relations with China, including Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Thailand, the EU, Ecuador, and Colombia," he said. "Singapore will also be celebrating our 35th anniversary of bilateral relations with China." 

As the Deputy Dean of the Consular Corps in Guangzhou, Mr. Loh Tuck Keat fondly recalled the last GDFAO Night back in 2020 when he first started his tenure in the city. Over the years, he and his colleagues have collected wonderful memories in Guangdong Province during the Chinese New Year. "In this regard, my colleagues and I are treated like family in Guangdong and have been extended strong support and friendship in our work here," he said.