Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his wife Qian Wei, together with foreign diplomats in China and their spouses, attended the opening ceremony of the 12th "Love Knows no Borders" international charity sale in Beijing on Saturday.

Under the theme "Let dreams take flight", this year's "Love Knows no Borders" international charity sale will be held in a new format. For the first time ever, the event will go online, and ambassadors will join live streaming sales to present their national specialty products and show their country's proud culture to Chinese netizens.

"COVID-19 may have affected face-to-face communication. But it cannot stop us from sharing our love. Organizers have told me that the number of embassies and companies taking part in this year's event has exceeded that of last year. So today, I give my deepest thanks to our Chinese and foreign friends taking part," said Wang Yi.

Andrey Denisov, Russian Ambassador to China, said: "Over the years, we have seen many touching stories, for instance, the funds raised by it were used to help little kids with heart diseases and hearing disabilities. So, thanks to your efforts, who have been extending to help people of friendly China on behalf of all diplomats, we'd like to express deep gratitude to Madame Qian Wei and State Councilor Wang Yi, who have been inspiring the charity moment."

For 11 consecutive years, the event has provided aid to impoverished villagers and disabled children, giving them hope and helping them towards a better life.

"Our charity sale falls on December 12, one of China's most popular online shopping festivals. Right after the opening ceremony, the sale will begin, and it will run for a whole week," said Qian Wei.

"With a few clicks on your phone, you can place orders and in turn contribute to a good cause. I'm sure together we can use love to contribute to poverty reduction in China," Qian said.