China and the Czechs: A timetable of ties

Officials from the Czech Republic and Chinese teachers pose for a photo at  the Confucius Institute at Palacky University in the Czech Republic. [Photo/oci.bfsu.edu.cn]

1999: The Czech Republic film exhibition

A large-scale Czech Republic film exhibition was staged in China, under the joint organization of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of China (SARFT).

2000: Cultural cooperation agreement for 2000-2002

The cultural ministries of the two countries signed an agreement on cultural cooperation for 2000-2002. The agreement included seven programs, including exchanging talents of literature, art, press and film, cultural relic protection, safeguarding knowledge and copyrights. The agreement marked the beginning of a deeper and more comprehensive cultural exchange and cooperation between the two nations.

2001: the 21st World University Games in Beijing

In August 2001, a delegation from the Czech Republic participated in the 21st World University Games in Beijing.

2002: Exhibitions in the Czech Republic

A series of exhibitions featuring traditional Suzhou handicraft works, world cultural heritage in China, Peking opera and China's archaeology and bronze ware was held in the Czech Republic.

2003: Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games' visit

A delegation of the Beijing Committee for the Olympic Games visited the Czech Republic and attended the meeting of the International Olympic Committee.

2004: Chinese dance opera in The Czech Republic

Artists from Fujian province staged the dance opera, Song of Everlasting Regret, in the Czech Republic in the fall of 2004.

2005: Agreement on holding exhibitions and film week

Cultural ministers from China and the Czech Republic signed an agreement to hold an exhibition on Chinese silk culture and a Chinese film week in the Czech Republic in 2006.

2006: An exhibition of Chinese silk culture and Chinese film week

In 2006, an exhibition of Chinese silk culture and a Chinese film week were successfully held in the Czech Republic.

2007: Confucius Institute in the Czech Republic

The Confucius Institute in the Czech Republic was established at Palacky University on Sept 26, 2007. The institute offers courses on Chinese language, Chinese calligraphy, and weekend and summer classes. And it is the only school to hold Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) – China's only standard examination of the Chinese language for non-native speakers.

In 2009, the Institute held about 20 cultural lectures, translation competitions and film shows. And it organizes Chinese Culture Month each autumn, which narrows the distance between Chinese culture and the locals.

2008: Cultural cooperation agreement for 2007-2011

The cultural ministries of the two countries signed an agreement on cultural cooperation for 2007-2011.