BEIJING, July 15 -- Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a congratulation message to the Fourth Choir Games kicked off in east China's Fujian Province on Saturday.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Hu expressed his congratulations on the Games and welcome to the choirs from all over the world.

The games symbolized the heartfelt wishes of the world for peace, development, cooperation, unity, friendship and harmony, he said.

"The Chinese people are willing to join with the international community in building a peaceful and prosperous world," said Hu.

The international choir contest is being held in Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian. About 350 choirs and 25,000 singers from more than 60 countries are set to compete, according to the organizing committee.

The event was jointly organized by the municipal government of Xiamen and Foderverein Interkultur (international cultural exchanges fund), a German non-governmental organization.

Held every other year, the contest was previously called "Choir Olympics" in the last three competitions in Austria, Korea and Germany.

The games this year comprises 52 contests. Concerts, performances of traditional Chinese singing and an academic forum are also scheduled.