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

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.

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

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) concluded its 21st session in Beijing on Thursday.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, presided over the closing meeting.

Lawmakers approved in principle the work report of the NPC Standing Committee.

They passed a deputy qualification report and other personnel-related bills.

They adopted the draft agenda of the fourth session of the 14th NPC and the draft name list of the session's presidium and secretary-general, and decided to submit the drafts to the preparatory meeting of the NPC session for deliberation. They also adopted the name list of the members invited to sit in on the session as non-voting participants.

Addressing the closing meeting, Zhao called on lawmakers to further revise the reports, and submit for deliberation in accordance with procedures.

Zhao called for meticulous preparations, effective news publicity and cost-efficiency in convening the session.

Zhao presided over a lecture for lawmakers after the closing meeting.

The Standing Committee held an oath-taking ceremony to pledge allegiance to the Constitution at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday.

China's top legislature concludes standing committee session