Brazilian locals and Chinese PLA band share cordiality through music

(ECNS) — A team of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) performed at a small goods market of Brasília, capital of Brazil, on Saturday during Chinese Military Culture Week.

Trumpeter Guo Sixiao was the first to walk into the crowd. As the soft, mellow sound of the trumpet played, it seemed to cut through the market’s noise, quickly drawing the attention of passersby.

As the band members played while walking into the market, the crowd on both sides naturally made way for them. Once the band finished their performance, people gathered around, forming a “stage” where the distance between performers and spectators seemed to vanish.

When familiar tunes including “Aquarela do Brasil” filled the air, the atmosphere reached its climax. Excited Brazilians joined the performance, dancing samba to the rhythm, with some humming along to the music.

“I was just casually strolling around today when I was suddenly drawn in by this performance. I loved it!” said Lucio, a nearby resident.

He expressed regret that his girlfriend missed such a wonderful show, so he immediately started a video call to give her a “live broadcast” of the performance.

Suona player Zhang Ziyong said he noticed Lucio leaning against a pillar, holding up his phone and recording song after song, while excitedly chatting with someone on the other end.

Later, the person even came over to shake hands with the performers, holding on for a long time, Zhang added.

When hands from across the world were clasped, the performance took on a deeper meaning.

Asked if he knew much about China, Lucio admitted he didn’t, and wasn’t even sure where it was. But the performance showed him that China is open and friendly, and it is an “amigo” (friend).

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Brazilian Navy opened the meeting with a Chinese proverb: It is always a pleasure to greet a friend from afar!

In response, Major General Mao Naiguo, head of the Chinese PLA delegation for international communication replied with another Chinese saying: “Though miles apart, we are close at heart.”