To celebrate the 2015 Lunar New Year, a group of Chinese singers and dancers from China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region put on a folk performance "The Legend of the Sun" for European Parliament members on February 18 in Brussels. The show has won rounds of applause from members of the European Parliament.

　　This year is the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. Beijing and Brussels decided to use the occasion to kick off the anniversary celebration.

　　中国与欧盟建交40周年

　　Yang Yanyi, Chinese ambassador to EU, says this year is one to mark the friendship between China and the EU. The two sides have determined to develop cooperation and partnership of peace, reform, investment and civilization. Meanwhile, both sides will hold a series of celebration activities. The performance "The Legend of the Sun" is the prelude to these events.

　　"We want to show a tough and brave Chinese tradition to European countries by the performance. Secondly, cultural exchange is one of the most important foundations between Sino-EU relations, and "The Legend of the Sun" will win European audience's hearts and thus stimulate their interest in Chinese culture. And the most important thing is that spirit of friendship and understanding between China and the EU will be enhanced and developed along a more stable and healthier path."

　　Tibor Navracsics, EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, says he believes the performance can make European people understand traditional Chinese culture better.

　　"This is the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. It is also a good opportunity to develop this partnership. For me, as commissioner for education, culture and sports, I am also responsible for high-level culture exchanges. I very much appreciate China's cultural heritage.

　　I would like to promote talent exchange and cooperation between both sides in the fields of education, culture, and for young people in the Year of Sheep."