Events and stories coming up in the next few days

Data analysis focus of customs observation

Thursday is International Customs Day. The theme of this year's observation is "Data Analysis for Effective Border Management". Events will be held across the globe, giving members of the World Customs Organization an opportunity to showcase their efforts in collecting and analyzing data. The organization was established in 1952 as an autonomous body to enhance the effectiveness of the customs administrations worldwide.

Day to raise awareness about the Holocaust

The International Holocaust Remembrance Day will be observed on Jan 27, the date the United Nations has chosen to commemorate victims of the Holocaust during World War II. That was when 6 million Jews as well as millions of others were murdered by Germany's Nazi regime. The day falls on the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in Poland by the Russian Army in 1945. The day is aimed at raising awareness about the genocide.

Envoy to update media on EU-China Blue Year

Hans Dietmar Schweisgut, the European Union's ambassador to China, will hold a news conference on Wednesday on EU-China relations. He will talk about the upcoming launch of the EU-China Blue Year, which will focus on sustainable development of the maritime economy. Schweisgut will also speak about major milestones for the EU this year, such as the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and the 30th anniversary of the Erasmus program.

Beijing to host Kunqu Opera's The Peony Pavilion

Beijing Kunqu Opera's The Peony Pavilion will be staged at the capital's Tianqiao Art Center on Monday. Kunqu Opera is held in great respect, and is regarded as the sister company of Beijing Opera. Kunqu is one of the oldest forms of opera still existing in China. The Peony Pavilion is a play written by Tang Xianzu during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and was first performed in 1598 at the Pavilion of Prince Teng.