Dragon boat teams race on Seine River

A dozen dragon boat teams from China, France and other Asian and European countries and regions raced on the Seine River in Paris on Sunday to celebrate the Duanwu or Dragon Boat Festival, exciting local residents in Chinese cultural vibes. The annual festival on the fifth day of the fifth month on the lunar Chinese calendar fell on Saturday this year. It is a time to get rid of misfortune as venomous animals were believed to appear at this juncture. It is also a time to commemorate the beloved Chinese poet Qu Yuan (339-278 BC) from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC).

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Dragon Boat Festival on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, making it the first Chinese festival to be included in the list.

As the customs of the Dragon Boat Festival have spread from China to the world, the traditional Chinese sport of dragon boat racing, which is an iconic activity held across China during this festival, has also set sail across the globe, demonstrating the spirit of unity and striving forward in traditional Chinese culture.

During this year's Dragon Boat Festival, many countries have held dragon boat racing events, with the drumbeat echoing in the waters.

A dozen dragon boat teams from China, France and several other countries and regions in Asia and Europe competed on the Seine River in Paris on Sunday, marking the third consecutive year that Paris has hosted such an event.

According to the competition rules, each team must have at least two female paddlers.

"I took part in this dragon boat race because it reminds me of the vibes of the Dragon Boat Festival I felt in China when I was a child, with dragon boat racing, zongzi (a pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves), and various activities, which made me feel as if I had returned to my hometown. Moreover, it's a great moment to experience the charm of our traditional Chinese culture abroad," said Wu Xueyi, a paddler of the Chinese dragon boat team.

"This event has allowed us to truly immerse ourselves in Chinese culture, learn a lot of things, and also feel the warmth of the people. After getting off the boat, everyone would high-five to celebrate. The atmosphere during the competition has been fantastic, even it was held here in France. Dragon boat racing is rapidly developing in France," said Beatrice, a contestant of the French dragon boat team.

During last year's Paris Olympics, dragon boat racing made a stunning show as a demonstration sport, presenting the charm of this traditional Chinese sport to audiences from around the world. The dragon boat racing has further drawn international attention and become more internationally influential.

For days around the Dragon Boat Festival this year, Serbia, Germany, Argentina, Britain, South Africa, Peru,Poland, New Zealand and many other countries have held dragon boat races and cultural exchange events.

Dragon boat teams race on Seine River

Dragon boat teams race on Seine River

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests