Rio de Janeiro of Brazil hosted a vibrant cultural festival over the weekend to celebrate the diplomatic relations between Brazil and China and mark the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II.
This year marks the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The events saw lively traditional Chinese dragon and lion dances being staged on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, with performers engaging playfully with the crowd.
The festival also provided opportunities for the public to learn about Chinese calligraphy and explore traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including practices like acupuncture.
In Brazil, TCM is officially recognized and available to the public at no cost.
"Brazil incorporated Chinese medicine into its public health system in 2006. It's a holistic approach that promotes the well-being from childhood to old age by treating illnesses naturally," said Dr Ana He, a licensed acupuncturist.
Also on display during the festival were samples of China's rich history and culture, featuring Chinese traditional clothing, contemporary photographs and artifacts, attracting numerous Brazilians who were eager to experience the beauty of Chinese heritage.
One of the highlights of the event was a dynamic concert that presented a diverse range of musical styles, blending Chinese classical music, modern Chinese compositions, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms.
"In these moments of change and global conflict, history teaches us to pursue the path of peaceful development. China and Brazil, both victors of World War II and founders of BRICS, are committed to safeguarding prosperity and global peace," said Tian Min, Chinese Consul General in Rio de Janeiro.
Cultural festival held in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate victory of World Anti-Fascist War
The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges.
The criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court in charge of Yoon's obstruction of justice case handed down the prison sentence to Yoon for abusing the presidential security service to hinder the anti-corruption agency from executing its arrest warrant in January 2025.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was once thwarted in its attempt to arrest Yoon as the presidential security service formed human shields and bus blockades to prevent investigators from entering the presidential residence.
The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon.
The court said Yoon privatized the presidential security service for personal safety and private interests by blocking the law enforcement agencies' lawful execution of an arrest warrant and attempting to destroy evidence, pointing out that despite the very bad nature of his crime, he consistently offered unconvincing excuses and showed no remorse.
The court stressed that severe punishment was necessary, considering the need to restore the rule of law damaged by Yoon's crime, but it noted that the fact that he was a first-time offender with no criminal record was considered a favorable factor.
The sentencing, which was broadcast live, was Yoon's first verdict coming from his botched martial law bid.
The first-instance sentencing for Yoon's insurrection charges was scheduled for Feb 19. The special counsel sought a death penalty for Yoon on the charges.
Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of Dec 3 in 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.
The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon in April 2025, officially removing him from office.
The ousted leader was indicted while in detention in January 2025 on charges of leading an insurrection, becoming the first sitting ROK president facing such prosecution.
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
