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Jiang, Wang Host Banquet for APEC Economic Leaders, Spouses
Tonight is so Beautiful! -- Briefing of the Grand Fireworks Display
The welcome banquet given by President Jiang Zeming and his wife Wang Yeping in honor of the economic leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and their spouses started in Shanghai Saturday evening at the Shanghai International Convention Center.
Attending the banquet were also relevant ministers of APEC member economies, members of the China Secretariat for APEC 2001, and representatives from APEC observers. Gala Party Begins with Well-known Melody The performance began with a folk melody sung by 100 Chinese kids.
"Jasmine" is a folk song not only popular in east China but known by Western opera aficionados. Italian composer Puccini once used it in "Turandot," a love tragedy happened in the setting of a Chinese dynasty.
At the end of the song, 21 children each in traditional costume of an APEC member went up to the stage and hailed to the audience, showing the common aspiration of APEC economies for pursuing peace, friendship and development.
Another group of children presented bouquets of flowers to the APEC leaders and their spouses. Leaders Watch Fireworks Display President Jiang Zemin and his wife, together with other leaders and their spouses, watched a spectacular fireworks display Saturday evening.
Fireworks were set off from rooftops along the Bund, where financial institutions are concentrated. They were also let off from 10 barges on the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and other locations west of the river.
The fireworks presented a marvelous show featuring various kinds of designs including chrysanthemums and peonies.
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