A 12-meter-long brocade piece was created by weavers from ethnic minority communities in the village of Banchi in Chongzuo, a city in Guangxi, to mark the area's poverty alleviation efforts and other development achievements in the run-up to celebrations on July 1 for the centenary of the Communist Party of China. CHINA DAILY

Angelo Latini, secretary-general of the Italian Chinese Cultural Association, said East-West collaborations like these are based on the "increasing understanding, appreciation and influence of Chinese culture".

Wu Weifeng, secretary of the Party committee of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region museum, said exhibitions and events have rolled out nationwide and in other countries, increasing awareness of and education on Zhuang brocade heritage. More efforts are needed to support its conservation and development, Wu added.

Zhuang brocade has historical ties with ethnic brocades in Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, with many similarities in techniques and other aspects that extend throughout the region and beyond, he said.

"This reflects the geographical links of the Guangxi Zhuang people and the long-term friendly relations between China and Southeast Asia, as well as the integration and influence of history and culture," Wu said.

"This is also an important aspect of 'Belt and Road' cultural exchanges. You can pull the threads, links and networks together. To study the development of Zhuang brocade, you can see the economic, cultural and maritime 'Silk Road' from China extending to Southeast Asian countries and across the globe."

Contact the writers at alexishooi@chinadaily.com.cn