A nationwide fitness campaign has been held across China during this Spring Festival holiday.
In Benxi, northeast China's Liaoning Province, the frozen Taizi River was transformed into a lively sports arena. Speed skating challenges, ice dragon boat races and traditional ice sledding drew enthusiastic participation.
"So many children and parents came together to enjoy the fun of ice sports. It really enriched the kids' holiday, and we're very happy," said a local resident named Liu Rui.
"I made new friends and got some exercise. It's a new experience and it feels great," said another resident Cheng Jinhong.
More than 2,500 residents and winter sports enthusiasts joined the activities in Benxi.
In Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, sports lovers gathered at an event featuring experience zones for emerging sports such as flag football, as well as traditional activities like pitch-pot, an intangible cultural heritage sport.
A group of elderly residents also performed Roliball, a China-originated graceful ball game that integrates principles of Tai Chi.
"We performed Roliball today. It's wonderful to have such a platform for us middle-aged and elderly people. We're very happy," a senior resident said.
During this year's Spring Festival, 284 public sports venues across Sichuan Province launched special holiday fitness programs, offering discounted or free access to provide convenient and quality exercise options for the public.
Nationwide fitness campaign energizes Spring Festival holiday
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday adopted a resolution on the Ukraine crisis, calling for "an immediate and unconditional ceasefire" and "comprehensive, just and lasting peace."
The draft resolution, prepared by Ukraine and a number of European countries, was adopted with 107 in favor, 12 against and 51 abstentions at the UNGA's 11th Emergency Special Session, on the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine crisis.
China was among the countries that abstained from voting, and Russia voted against the draft resolution.
The resolution, which reaffirms commitment to "the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders," does not have a legally binding force.
In a statement explaining China's abstention, Counselor Teng Fei of the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations noted that China's abstention reflects its consistent principled stance on the Ukraine issue.
"China believes that all countries deserve respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity, that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed, that the legitimate security concerns of any country should be taken seriously, and that support should be given to all efforts that are conducive to peacefully resolving the crisis," Teng said.
Teng said the Ukraine issue has currently entered a critical stage for promoting a negotiated settlement, with various dialogues and contacts being intensified, especially focusing on the substantive issues of the crisis.
Emphasizing the need for sustained diplomatic momentum and a comprehensive security framework, Teng said that China welcomes all endeavors dedicated to peace.
"China encourages and supports all efforts for peace, and calls on all parties to maintain positive momentum, continue to expand common understanding and strive to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement. It is necessary to solve the root causes and form a more balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture to achieve long-term peace and stability in Europe," said Teng.
He said that at this critical juncture, China expects the international community to create a favorable atmosphere for promoting the political settlement of the crisis and the UNGA to play a constructive role in rallying the peaceful consensus of member States. China will also continue to make active efforts to promote the political settlement of the issue, he said.
UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Ukraine calling for immediate ceasefire
