China Intentions Laid out in Canvas and Captured on Lens by Lintao Zhang of the AP on Sept. 22 2013 at the Great Hall of the People

Maduro in China | Photo by Lintao Zhang/ AP

I came across this photo that might illustrate China's intentions. In official policy documents and in my interaction with Chinese activities and actors in Africa China I have heard of the harmonious coexistence narrative

So is the peaceful rise Beijing seeks to illustrate true?
Well, there is a whole debate on that with American watchers and Chinese analysts embraced in controversy as to what this exactly means.

1. Peaceful Rise of China: Myth or Reality? by Jianyong Yue
2. China’s “Peaceful” Rise? By Joseph S. Nye
3. Review of When China Rules the World by Martin Jacques by Michael Rank

Given that events in China are clearly choreographed one can come up with the conclusion that the above mural was not mounted in the Great Hall of the People by accident.

Experience China in Kenya Events: Chinese National Day Reception & Opening Ceremony, Sept. 21 2013 @ KICC

The China National Acrobatics Troupe | Courtesy: China Concerts

The Chinese National Day Reception, the Opening Ceremony of Experience China in Kenya and the Art Performance

Date and time: September 21, from 6: 30 pm to 9: 30 pm
Venue: Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC)

Introduction of the art performance: The performance will be presented by China National Acrobatic Troupe (CNAT) with outstanding performances together with fantasy art, Chinese folk songs and dances accompanied by traditional Chinese musical instruments among others.

CNAT was founded in 1950 and is the first national performing arts troupe of China. It has now become one of the best acrobatic circuses boasting the largest scale and the most comprehensive programs in the world. CNAT’s unique talents, mastery and artistic creations have produced a number of acrobatic masterpieces.
So far, it has won 55 Golden Awards at various famous festivals both in China and internationally, including Golden Clown Awards at the International Circus Festivals of Monte-Carlo, the France International Circus Festival of Tomorrow, and the China Acrobatic Festival.

What to expect: Prior Performance Video

Programme

Opening Ceremony ǀ All Performers

1. Fluent - Ball Catching
2. Element – Meteors
3. Jiaozhou Yangko Dance
4. Love China
5. Exhilaration
6. Swan
7. Gorgeous Girls
8. Climbing – Moving Poles
9. Happy Carpenter
10. Gleaming
11. Equilibrium
12. Mongolian Dance
13. Holy Warriors

End ǀ All Performers