Event Follows Other Recent Cultural Events And Partnerships In Germany And Belgium, And Upcoming Events In The United States Following China's National Day celebrations earlier this month, a wave of cultural events have taken place -- or are slated to take place -- around the world. From China's position as guest of honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair to the many included works of Chinese contemporary art at the Europalia-China art festival in Brussels (co-curated by premier Chinese artist Ai Weiwei), the last few weeks have given Western audiences a good opportunity to get up close and personal with several aspects of contemporary Chinese artistic culture. This week, Chinese culture heads to the Middle East, where the "Experience China in Israel" cultural exchange event kicked off this weekend at the Tel Aviv Opera House. The event will feature performances, film screenings and photo exhibitions, and follows similar "Experience" events held in the past in Russia, South Korea, Germany and the U.S. From Xinhua: The event, jointly held by the State Council Information Office of China and Israeli Foreign Ministry, is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 17th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Composed of a series of activities including performances, photo exhibitions, a film week and a symposium on China, Israel and the world economy, the event, which began earlier this week and will conclude at the end of this month, is expected to allow the Israelis to see Chinese culture and China's development and achievements over the past 60 years and promote Sino-Israeli friendship. ... Shortly after Peres' speech, Wang Chen, Minister of the State Council Information Office of China, told the audience that since China and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1992, which turned over a new leaf in the bilateral ties, Sino-Israeli relations have been developing fast and sound, including in the field of culture. "It is reported that more and more Israelis begin to admire the Chinese culture, start to learn Chinese, and want to learn more about the Chinese development," said the senior Chinese official. "Therefore, this great event 'Experience China in Israel' not only reflects the two governments' concerted efforts in promoting China-Israel relations, but also reflects the two peoples' earnest aspiration to increase understanding and deepen friendship," he noted. China's cultural charm offensive continues later this month with Carnegie Hall's "Ancient Paths, Modern Voices" festival in the U.S., slated to take place from the end of October to early November in New York, NY and Orange County, CA.