TT in double Chinese milestone

CHINESE AMBASSADOR to Trinidad and Tobago Xu Yanan has described the successful orbit of the first Chinese astronaut in space and the maiden performance of the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe in TT, as a double milestone for her country. Speaking at the Troupe’s opening performance at Queen’s Hall on Wednesday night, the Ambassador announced that the Shenzhou Five space capsule and its pilot, Lt Colonel Yang Liwei had successfully completed its mission and had landed safely on the Inner Mongolian grasslands of northern China. Yanan said the mission’s completion was a landmark achievement for Chinese science and technology as her nation looks towards the future.

Noting that China places equal value on its cultural heritage, Yanan said it was fortuitous that one of her country’s most renowned acrobatic troupes was performing in TT on the day of the Shenzhou Five space mission. Recalling the longstanding, healthy relations between TT and China, Yanan said the troupe’s visit was certain to maintain the “good momentum for cultural ties between the two nations.” During last month’s visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to TT, Prime Minister Patrick Manning announced plans for the establishment of a Chinese military hospital in this country. Plans are also being discussed for a steelband orchestra to visit China. The audience at Queen’s Hall was treated to a dazzling sample of the troupe’s skills in acrobatics and the martial arts which left patrons gasping in awe and cheering lustilly for more. Among the dignitaries present were Senate President Linda Baboolal, National Security Minister Howard Chin Lee,  Brigadier Peter Joseph and TTMA president Anthony Hosang.