As 2025 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Chinese mainland and Somalia, a symbolic jade sculpture has emerged as a testament to enduring cross-cultural collaboration. Crafted from rare Hetian jade gifted by Somali authorities, the artwork was meticulously shaped by renowned Chinese jade sculptor Master Zhang Tiecheng, blending traditional Chinese carving techniques with Somali cultural motifs.
The collaborative project, documented jointly by CGTN's Guo Linjie and Somali National News Agency journalist Kheder Abdullah Mohammed Mahmood, highlights how cultural diplomacy continues to strengthen bilateral ties. Master Zhang described the creation process as 'a dialogue between civilizations,' noting the jade's journey from Somalia to his Beijing studio mirrors the nations' six-decade partnership.
Cultural observers emphasize the sculpture's timing as particularly significant, coinciding with increased economic cooperation between Chinese enterprises and Somali counterparts in infrastructure development this year. The artwork will be displayed in Mogadishu's National Museum during anniversary celebrations later this month.
