Foreign diplomats explore at the event venue of the program. Photo: Courtesy of the Argentine Embassy in China

A total of 24 diplomats from countries including Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, and Cuba visited Southwest China's Guizhou Province from September 28 to October 6. Jointly organized by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Argentine Embassy in China, a match highlighted the 2024 "Discover China Cultural Tour" of Guizhou for Diplomats in China and the Guizhou Village Super League.

During the opening ceremony, diplomats enjoyed traditional ethnic songs, visited a local craftsmanship workshop, and attended a friendly soccer match with a local amateur team in Rongjiang county.

Adorned in silver jewelry and white finery, the women of Dali Dong village in Rongjiang deeply moved the diplomats with their melodious ethnic Dong songs. Under a blue sky and white clouds, beautiful songs drifted out of a drum tower, followed by applause from the spectating foreign diplomats.

At the opening ceremony, Argentine Ambassador to China Marcelo Gabriel Suarez Salvia said that the journey presents a valuable opportunity to deepen our relations and strengthen ties between China and the accredited diplomatic corps. 

"On behalf of our team, LAC UNITED, I would like to share some reflections on the sport and its connection to diplomacy. Sport, and particularly soccer, has the power to connect peoples, cultures, and dreams. Through initiatives like this, we aim to highlight the great values of sports - teamwork, collective effort, fun, and above all, the friendship among those who play and those who participate as spectators," said the ambassador.