Ancient Chinese water project inspires wisdom of modern day governance: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday that the water management philosophy of the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System can provide inspirations for governance in the modern era.

Xi made the remarks when visiting the ancient site in southwest China's Sichuan Province with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is currently on a state visit to China.

Built more than two millennia ago during China's Warring States period (475-221 BC), Dujiangyan is a pioneering irrigation system that achieved automatic water regulation and flood control without the use of dams or gates. Still functioning to this day, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Mount Qingcheng. "Every time I come here, I marvel at the wisdom of our ancestors. With a deep understanding of the geological terrain of the region and the principles of water management, they adapted to local conditions and rode the crest of the wave to build this project with exquisite craftsmanship. The harmony between humanity and nature demonstrated by this project is truly magnificent, and the spirit of pursuing harmony can also be found in many aspects of Chinese society. We can also draw inspirations from this water management philosophy for the governance of our countries and achieve some very remarkable things," Xi said when speaking with Macron.

The French president is currently on a three-day state visit to China from Wednesday to Friday at the invitation of Xi, which saw him hold talks with senior Chinese leaders in Beijing before traveling to the southwestern Sichuan Province late on Thursday.

This is Macron's fourth state visit to China and a reciprocal visit following Xi's historic trip to France last year that marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Ancient Chinese water project inspires wisdom of modern day governance: Xi

Ancient Chinese water project inspires wisdom of modern day governance: Xi

Ancient Chinese water project inspires wisdom of modern day governance: Xi

Ancient Chinese water project inspires wisdom of modern day governance: Xi

China's 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games officially concluded on Monday evening, capping an inspirational eight-day event that set new records for participation and athletic achievements.

Held for the first time jointly by Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area, the Games featured 46 competitive events and attracted more than 11,000 participants from 34 delegations, marking the largest turnout in the event's history.

Athletes shattered 15 world records and set 156 new national records in disciplines such as athletics, swimming, shooting, weightlifting, and track cycling.

The Games showcased not only extraordinary athleticism, but also the indomitable spirit of disabled competitors who transcended physical limitations through sport.

The 21-year-old Hong Kong para table tennis player Wong Yue-ching, a student at the University of Hong Kong, competed with only one-third the grip strength of an able-bodied person in her right hand. Wong used a wrist strap to secure her racket. She finished sixth in the women's singles class 7 event and credited the sport for transforming her life.

"[Playing table tennis] has completely rewritten my life. I want to become a teacher. Perhaps one day, I can teach children at a special school and share my story with them, to show that as long as you keep searching, you will surely find your path in life," said Wong.

This edition of the Games significantly increased the numbers of both Special Olympic and mass participation events, allowing more people to enjoy the fun of sports.

From seamless event organization to the creation of a comprehensive, region-wide barrier-free environment, the Games has set a benchmark and delivered a replicable model for future para-sporting events in China and beyond.

"Drawing on their complementary strengths and working in close coordination, with synchronized planning and implementation, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao have extended the concept of disability inclusion far beyond the competition venues into all aspects of daily life. This not only showcases the remarkable achievements and vibrant momentum of Chinese modernization, but also highlights a new chapter in the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the advancement of the cause of the disabled," said Chang Zheng, deputy director of the Games' organizing committee.

China's 12th National Para Games conclude with record attendance, athletic achievements