German chancellor watches robot martial arts performance at China's Unitree

China

German chancellor watches robot martial arts performance at China's Unitree

2026-02-27 01:10 Last Updated At：16:07

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was welcomed by an impressive robot martial arts performance as he visited Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on Thursday.

Merz, along with members of his business delegation, watched attentively throughout the innovative show "Wu BOT," or "Kung Fu Robots," nodding in appreciation at the various stunning moves. He led the applause after the show concluded.

Merz arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to China. On Thursday he visited the Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics, whose innovative humanoid robot creations have attracted significant global attention.

Merz listened to introductions about some of the cutting-edge robot components being produced by the company before he was treated to a robot boxing demonstration, and the live performance of a segment of the dynamic robot martial arts display.

"Wu BOT" was first performed during the 2026 China Media Group Spring Festival Gala broadcast on Feb 16, the eve of the Chinese New Year. Featuring dozens of humanoid machines moving in sync with martial artists, the show presented a blend of Chinese cultural heritage and state-of-the-art robotics technology.

Chinese anti-war film premieres in New Zealand

The Chinese anti-war action comedy "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East" held its New Zealand's premiere in Auckland on Thursday ahead of its nationwide theatrical release, drawing praise from local film fans.

The story follows a Chinese chef who travels to the Middle East in the early 2000s to start a business, only to face the outbreak of war. His small restaurant becomes a refuge for local civilians and children.

Blending culinary tradition with a story of ordinary people's resilience and kindness amid conflict, the film has struck a strong cross-cultural chord with audiences of diverse backgrounds.

At the premiere, some of the dishes featured in the film were recreated, giving audiences a chance to experience Chinese food culture through the story.

The event offered audiences a taste of China and helped foster greater understanding and cultural exchange between China and New Zealand.