French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday congratulated China on its achievements in a throng of events at the just concluded Paris 2024 Olympics while commending the country on its efforts to promote world peace through the Games.

China's Olympic delegation clinched 40 gold, 27 silver and 24 bronze medals at Paris 2024, achieving its best overseas performance since its first comprehensive participation in a Summer Olympics abroad in 1984.

Ahead of the Games' closing ceremony, President Macron sat down for an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV) at the Elysee Palace in Paris. He said the results prove that China's capable of nurturing exceptional athletes.

"Over the years, China has made significant investments in the field of sports, establishing itself as one of the world's top sporting nations. I would like to congratulate you on your achievements in table tennis, swimming, and many other disciplines, which showcase your ability to nurture exceptional athletes and inspire others," said the president.

Macron said he is glad to see the excellent performances of athletes including both veteran Olympians who defended their title and young prodigies who made a shining Olympic debut. He made a special mention of 22-year-old French swimming sensation Leon Marchand, who triumphed in four swimming events.

"That's important for me. It brings joy and inspiration to the French people, just as your champions bring to the Chinese people. As I mentioned, we have been following the performances of table tennis players, swimmers and other athletes. This is one of the motivations for ambitions, that it prepares the nation for future champions and drives many young people to devote themselves to these sports, thereby practicing and developing themselves. That's the most important thing," said the president.

Macron said the country will build on the Olympics legacy to provide more opportunities for young people to engage in physical activities, improve health and gain confidence.

"Apart from the Olympic Games, this is part of the legacy we want to leave: to be a more sporting nation, where more and more young people are taking part in sports, through dreams, through recognition. We are investing a lot in schools. We are now developing sports facilities at secondary schools, and we are building more and more infrastructure. We will not slacken in our efforts even after the Olympics, because it's very important, it is very important for the development, personal confidence and health of our children and young people," he said.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Paris in May, he launched a joint initiative with his French counterpart to call for a global truce during the Pairs Olympic Games.

Speaking of the Olympic Truce, Macron thanked China for its support and hailed the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics for its success in prompting peace.

"When President Xi Jinping came, we reviewed the legacy of the recent Olympic Games, and in particular, I will not forget that the 2022 Winter Games played a significant role since there was indeed an effective mediation and a real truce that was respected at that time. And I want to thank President Xi and all the Chinese leaders who participated in this wish, that is, to achieve a truce for the Olympic and Paralympic Games," he said.

The United Nations adopted last year the resolution for the observance of the Olympic Truce for Paris 2024. Macron said it is unfortunate that conflicts continued during the Olympic Games, but he hopes the political initiatives launched during the Games have played a role in promoting peace.

"Just in the last few days, I have reiterated with several leaders the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Therefore, we cannot relax our efforts, which requires perseverance and determination. I think what the Olympic Games bring is the ability to play together, that is, to accept the same rules, respect our opponents, and help warring peoples reach a detente. I believe this does bring them closer, because you know, peace can only be achieved through dialogue with the enemy, so it is very important to respect each other and maintain engagement," Macron said.

The Paris Olympic Games came to a celebratory closing on Sunday after two weeks of intense competitions and record-breaking feats.

By the end of the competition, China and the United States tied for the top position in the gold medal count, both winning 40 in total. As the host country, France took home 16 gold medals, behind Australia with 18 and Japan with 20.

French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

Museums across China launched various featured exhibitions and activities, treating visitors with a cultural feast, as visiting museums has become a trend during the week-long National Day holiday starting on Oct 1.

The National Museum of China in Beijing launched a themed exhibition titled "The Red Flag Unfurled Like a Painting" to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The exhibition, including a 3D dynamic display of China's national flag for the first time, explores exciting stories about the nation's growth and strength behind the red flags from different periods.

"The red flag serves as the central theme of this exhibition and establishes the narrative logic of the displays. We present red flags from different periods, including the democratic revolution period, the first [five-star] red flag at the founding ceremony of the PRC, as well as the period after the founding of the PRC such as the period of socialist construction, reform and opening up, and the new era," said Huang Li, a research librarian and a curator of the National Museum of China.

The Jinsha Site Museum in southwest China's Chengdu City stages a nighttime performance during the National Day holiday, allowing visitors from across the country to experience a journey to ancient Shu civilization dating back about 3,000 years. By taking advantage of the museum's collection of cultural relics, the performance guides visitors to seven locations in the museum including both outdoor areas and exhibition halls, creating a tailored experience for museumgoers.

"[The performance] is immersive, allowing us to experience a sense of time travel, as if we are engaged in a dialogue with cultural relics and history," said a visitor surnamed Wang.

At China Nanhai (South China Sea) Museum in south China's Hainan Province, visitors can wear VR glasses and follow the guidance of archaeological experts to watch the details of cultural relics.

In southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Baiheliang Underwater Museum, dubbed by the UNESCO as "the first underwater museum accessible without diving in the world," also attracts visitors with its unique visiting experience.

Tourists can explore the archaeological site of Baiheliang through a underwater pressure-resistant corridor, as well as visit the exhibition hall on the second floor of the museum to learn about the scientific and cultural significance of stone ridge inscriptions of Baiheliang as well as the construction process of the underwater museum.

Chinese revel in culture feast at museums during National Day holiday