More than 30 couples wore traditional Chinese attire hanfu attended a grand collective wedding on Friday in the ancient city of Xi'an in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
Hanfu, the traditional attire of China's Han ethnic group, has evolved from a resurgent youth trend into a cherished choice for couples performing their eternal vows.
Dressed in hanfu in the style of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), couples at the grand ceremony wore time-period makeup, held traditional fans, and immersed themselves in Chinese cultural wedding rites.
The ceremony even attracted international couples with a profound interest in Chinese culture, with newlyweds hailing from Russia, Thailand, and Pakistan.
"The music was so festive and left me with a very deep impression. I've lived in China for a long time, six years, so, I want to experience such a traditional ritual. And I found it very interesting," said a groom from Russia.
"Today, I'm very happy that I got to join here. It's very rare that we get an opportunity to wear these kind of clothes here, and today, we have that opportunity," said a groom from Thailand.
The event was designed as an innovative fusion of "cultural tourism and wedding customs," with an aim to create a cultural feast for all involved.
Apart from the ceremony, the event also included a two-day tour for the newlyweds in Xi'an, allowing them to experience the history and culture in the ancient city.
As one of China's ancient capitals, Xi'an was at the heart of the Western Han (202 B.C.-8 A.D.) and Tang dynasties -- two of the most influential periods in ancient Chinese history.
Grand wedding ceremony featuring Tang-dynasty attire embraces traditional Chinese culture
The European Union（EU）and France have reaffirmed their support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland as concerns are growing over security in the Arctic following the recent statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the strategically important island.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that "Greenland belongs to its people, so it's up to Denmark and Greenland, and only to them, to decide on matters that are concerning Denmark and Greenland."
Noting that the EU is in contact with the Danish government, Von der Leyen stressed that security in the Arctic region is a key issue of concern to the EU.
Also on Wednesday, the European Parliament's political group leaders issued a statement, condemning the remarks made by the Trump administration regarding Greenland and terming them as a "blatant" challenge to international law and to the sovereignty of NATO member Denmark.
They urged the EU institutions to define "concrete and tangible" support for Denmark and Greenland, and stressed that decisions concerning Greenland belong to Denmark and Greenland alone.
"External attempts to alter the status quo are unacceptable," the leaders said.
In a related development, a group of 23 lawmakers sent a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday, emphasizing that if the United States continues to threaten Denmark's autonomous territory, the European Parliament should suspend debates and votes on trade agreements with the United States.
Currently, the European Parliament is deliberating on removing most U.S. import tariffs and maintaining zero-tariff policies on U.S. lobster, with a vote scheduled for January 26 and 27.
Meanwhile, French government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon, citing President Emmanuel Macron, warned on Wednesday that any infringement on Danish sovereignty over Greenland would trigger "unprecedented" consequences.
"If the sovereignty of a European ally were affected, the cascading consequences would be unprecedented," said Bregeon.
"we are closely monitoring the situation and will stand firmly with Denmark to defend its sovereignty," the spokeswoman said.
On the same day, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu noted the need for serious consideration of recent U.S. signals concerning Greenland.
Lecornu reaffirmed France's "full solidarity with Denmark and the legitimate authorities of Greenland," adding that safeguarding the sovereignty of other countries is an important foundation for safeguarding one's own sovereignty.
Furthermore, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday that France will open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, calling the move a "political signal" over the strategic Danish territory.
The foreign minister said that the U.S. plan of buying Greenland is "absurd" and that this "blackmail" should stop.
He reiterated that France and Europe will continue to support Denmark.
Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, while Denmark retains authority over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island.
Since his first term, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland. Both Greenland and Denmark have made clear that the island is not for sale. The White House said last week that Trump will not rule out the use of force.
EU, France reaffirm support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland
