Jackie Chan has recently shared insights in kung fu fusion ahead of the release of his latest martial arts film "Karate Kid: Legends."
Starring Jackie Chan and Ben Wang, the film is set to be screened on June 7 across China. It tells the story of Master Han and his disciple, Li Feng, who stand up to "American-style bullying" in New York.
By integrating Chinese martial arts with Japanese karate, they earn respect through victory and forge their own unique path in the world of martial arts.
In the film, to help Li Feng win the competition, Master Han enlists the help of karate master Daniel to train his disciple.
In Jackie Chan's view, all martial arts share common roots and thrive through mutual growth. His return to the "Legends" film series reflects his aspiration to use the power of cinema to bring Chinese culture to the global stage.
"Karate and Chinese kung fu are essentially the same - kicks and punches may have different names, but the essence is shared. Whether it's the fusion of martial arts or the connection between people, what we need most right now is unity. Combining karate and kung fu not only promotes our own culture, but also expresses a form of love. And love between people is just as important. In today's world, what we need most is compassion. I hope to share that through culture," he said.
When speaking about the contemporary value of kung fu spirit, Jackie Chan said that more and more young people today are engaging with kung fu through diverse approaches, and he has consistently sought to fuse different forms of expression. His goal is to allow the spirit of kung fu to transcend cultural and generational boundaries, and inspire a broader audience.
"During conversations with my disciples and fellow martial artists in China, I always say that our kung fu must evolve. If my films only featured one single style, they'd quickly become dull. If you look at my films, I've incorporated martial arts from all over the world - blending global fighting styles into my work," he said.
Jackie Chan shares insights in kung fu fusion ahead of Legends film screening
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
