EXPANDING PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES
Greater bilateral exchanges can also be seen in the field of culture, with 2015 declared the Year of Chinese Culture in Chile and 2016 the China-Latin America and Caribbean Cultural Exchange Year.
Broad exchanges were conducted in various fields including art, literature and film, facilitating activities in different forms containing exhibitions, performances and film panoramas. Many Chinese celebrities, for example, the famous Chinese pianist Lang Lang, were invited to perform in Chile.
Among many other cultural events, there is an exhibition of treasures from China's Forbidden City now on display in the Central Cultural Palace in Chile, following the last exhibition in 2000 of Terracotta Warriors from the tomb of China's First Emperor, Qin Shihuang, who lived thousands years ago.
The 2016 exhibition has so far attracted more than 200,000 visitors in Chile within two months.
Besides, many famous Chinese writers, poets, directors and cantors have visited Chilean universities to introduce Chinese literature and art.
Chile also witnessed a passion for learning Chinese language and culture. Two Confucius Institutes and more than 20 Chinese language teaching schools have been opened in Chile so far.
The Confucius Institute Latin America Regional Center is headquartered in Santiago, where there are over 50 Chinese voluenteer teachers teaching Chinese to more than 5,000 Chilean students.
"In Chile, we have already started Mandarin Chinese studies to facilitate more exchanges ... to let us learn more about each other and have greater experiences," said Bachelet.
