People in Paris are increasingly turning to the ancient Chinese practice of martial arts to take up bodybuilding and escape from the stresses of modern life.
Every morning, a group of traditional Chinese sports enthusiasts gather near the riverbank to practice Tai Chi and Qigong, which are mind-body-spirit exercises that improve mental and physical wellbeing.
They are members of the French Federation for Chinese Energetic and Martial Arts (FFAEMC). Consiglia Ciaburri, counselor of FFAEMC, said there are over 20,000 members in the federation, and they have five fixed practice areas in Paris alone.
For them, practicing traditional Chinese martial arts helps build up their bodies and has a calming element to it.
"It's an art, first of all, it's martial art. But the word 'art' is very important. It means that it’s not only sport, it's more. There is mental way to do it. So that's why it's really really great for us," said Ciaburri.
After joining the federation in 2003, Ciaburri has been promoting Chinese traditional sports since then. She has also been advocating for ancient martial arts to be listed as an Olympic event.
Over the years, members of the federation have participated in various martial arts competitions globally. Now, its youngest martial artist named Annabelle, who is only nine years old, has already stood out in several international contests.
"So in 2026, there will be the Youth Olympics in Dakar. So we are sending some of our athletes. Hope that Annabelle will go there. She could win," Ciaburri said.
Parisians find inner peace through Chinese martial arts
A Chinese UN representative said the tension in the Red Sea is a prominent manifestation of the spillover of the Gaza conflict at a Security Council briefing on Yemen on Thursday.
Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks while also calling on the Houthis to respect the right of commercial vessels of all countries to navigate in the waters of the Red Sea in accordance with international law.
"he tension in the Red Sea is a prominent manifestation of the spillover of the Gaza conflict. It has been 11 months since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict and there is still no peace in sight. The negative effects of the conflict are increasing instability in the region. China once again urges the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza," said Geng.
The representative said China has always maintained that resolving the Yemen issue must rely on political and diplomatic means. He added that relevant parties should jointly advance a comprehensive political process that is "led by and owned by the people" and resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation.
China looks forward to countries with influence on Yemen playing a constructive role and calls on the Yemeni government and the Houthis to work together to implement the agreements reached between the two sides on financial and aviation issues, Geng said.
A Greek-flagged oil tanker named "MV Sounion", carrying about 1 million barrels of crude oil, was attacked by Houthi forces on Aug. 21 with small arms, projectiles, and a drone boat. The situation escalated when Houthi forces released footage on Aug. 29 showing them boarding and placing explosives on the oil tanker, setting off blasts that put the Red Sea at risk of a major oil spill.
Geng expressed concern over the attack on the oil tanker, the possible oil spill, and the potential ecological and environmental impact.
He also pointed out that many provinces in Yemen are suffering from severe floods and the humanitarian situation has worsened. The international community should step up humanitarian assistance to Yemen, he said.
The deputy permanent representative also expressed grave concern over the detention of UN personnel in Yemen and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel.
Red Sea tension arises as manifestation of Gaza conflict spillover: Chinese UN representative
