"Go, Paris Olympics!" Recently, in the training room of the French martial arts club "Oriental Martial Arts School," Fang Xiaofen, coach of the French national martial arts team, and her French students recorded a video together, cheering in Chinese to show their support for Chinese and French Olympic athletes.

"These students are happy to express their goodwill toward China in this way. Many of them are true 'China enthusiasts,'" Fang said with a smile.

Having taught martial arts in France for over 30 years, Fang has always used martial arts as a window for the French to understand China.

From participating in martial arts competitions to coaching the French national martial arts team, serving as an international martial arts referee, running her own martial arts clubs, and nurturing her daughter to carry on the martial arts tradition, Fang's journey in martial arts has been a process of building cultural bridges.

She said she has seen many French people fall in love with Chinese culture through practicing martial arts, so she hopes to continue helping more young French people understand and love martial arts.

A brilliant resume

Winning two gold medals in fist fighting and sword fighting techniques at the French Martial Arts Open, securing five consecutive championships at the French Martial Arts Championships, and taking home two gold medals for Yang and Chen-style tai chi at the Singapore International Martial Arts Competition, Fang has a brilliant resume shining with a collection of medals from various competitions.

Fang, born in Wenzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, started practicing martial arts with her father at the age of 6. She pursued professional training at the Wenzhou Sports School before immigrating to France with her parents at the age of 20, but she never gave up on her passion for martial arts. After arriving in France, she immediately embarked on her martial arts journey.

"When I first arrived in France in 1988, wushu [martial arts] was still an unfamiliar term for many local French people. Some knew 'Chinese kung fu,' but they didn't understand the specifics of Chinese martial arts. In addition to practicing at local sports clubs, I also participated in various French martial arts competitions. My French wasn't very good at the time, but I wasn't afraid of losing - I saw it as an opportunity to prove my skills," Fang recalled. "I believed that only by achieving results in competitions could the French truly see the level of Chinese martial arts and appreciate its charm."

As she continued to compete, Fang gained a certain reputation in the French martial arts community. Her outstanding achievements also caught the attention of the French Ministry of Sports. In 2011, Fang was appointed coach of the French international martial arts team. During her tenure, the French team won four championships in events like broadsword and tai chi at the 2012 European Martial Arts Championships, raising the team's ranking to the top three in Europe. In the same year, the French team won the spear event at the World Junior Martial Arts Championships in Macao, China, marking France's first world championship in martial arts. In 2013, Fang was officially appointed as the head coach of the French national martial arts team.

When discussing her coaching achievements, Fang often focused more on the dedication and passion of French martial arts enthusiasts.

"Unlike practicing martial arts in China, the venues, facilities, and training conditions in France are relatively simple. But the local martial arts enthusiasts are highly motivated and train hard. As professional coaches, we help them maximize their physical strengths, design innovative moves, and develop their own style and competitive edge," said Fang.
Building bridge

Now 56, Fang not only coaches the French national martial arts team, but also serves as an international referee for the International Wushu Federation. She also runs several martial arts clubs with more than 200 students. In addition to her sports-related work, Fang is passionate about promoting martial arts to the French public through performances, exchanges, and free training programs at French schools.

"I've taught thousands of students at my martial arts clubs, including people of all ages and backgrounds, and most of them are French. They work in different jobs during the week, but on weekends, they gather at the martial arts clubs. Some even bring their whole families," Fang said. Her clubs offer various types of martial arts training, including long fist, southern fist, tai chi, swordsmanship, broadsword, spear, staff, baguazhang (the eight-diagram palm), yingzhaoquan (Eagle Claw boxing), and tanglangquan (Praying Mantis boxing), providing diverse options for French students.

Fang is often moved by the passion of the French students for martial arts. Some parents drive an hour each way just to bring their children to a one-hour practice session, and they never miss a week. Some martial arts enthusiasts have inspired their spouses, children, and even grandchildren to start martial arts, turning club practices into family activities. Some children have even learned many Chinese martial arts terms and fallen in love with the Chinese language. One elderly student developed a deep love for Chinese culture through tai chi and eventually became a tea ceremony master. In Fang's clubs, martial arts have become a bridge connecting French students to Chinese culture, and more and more French students are filled with admiration and goodwill toward China.

In 2018, Fang organized a group of her club students to visit her hometown for a martial arts exchange at the Wenzhou Sports School. Among the 10 participants were engineers, teachers, and doctors - all martial arts enthusiasts who fell in love with Chinese martial arts traditions, local delicacies like wonton and rice cakes, and explored the Wenzhou Museum. They even went shopping for traditional Chinese crafts to bring back to France as gifts for their friends.

"After returning to France, they enthusiastically introduced China to their friends, sharing stories about China's development, the friendliness of the Chinese people, and the richness of Chinese cuisine. They kept these fond memories of the trip in China and couldn't help but share them with others," Fang said. "One student told me that the trip was the best experience of his life. Hearing such high praise, I felt very touched."

Passing on tradition

Recently, at the College of Physical Education and Health of Wenzhou University, Fang, accompanied by her 17-year-old daughter, martial arts enthusiast Fang Lefang, engaged in a lively martial arts exchange with the university's martial arts team. Together, they practiced tai chi, southern fist, and Shaolin fist. As a professional martial arts coach and referee, Fang praised the students' dedication and politeness, which she said are integral to the spirit of Chinese martial arts.

"Martial arts keep people energetic and help them become more confident and courageous. These are the valuable qualities I hope my daughter can acquire through martial arts practice," said Fang.

Born in 2007, Fang Lefang grew up immersed in martial arts under her mother's guidance. Over the past two years, she has made her mark in various international martial arts competitions, winning one silver and two bronze medals at the World Traditional Kung Fu Championships and one gold and one silver at the European Traditional Wushu Championships. She also claimed the gold medal at a French youth tai chi competition. Fang believes her daughter's connection with martial arts developed naturally.

"Lefang has always lived in France, and my husband is French, but I've always hoped she wouldn't forget the 'Chinese cultural gene' inside her," Fang said. She has taught her daughter Chinese from a young age, guided her in learning Chinese martial arts, sent her on "root-seeking" trips to China, and arranged for her to study and train in martial arts in Wenzhou for a full year. Fang hopes that her daughter will carry forward the cultural roots of the Chinese nation.

Now a member of the French Association of Second-Generation Chinese Entrepreneurs, Fang Lefang will participate in the upcoming World Tai Chi Championships in Singapore. "Through competing in martial arts around the world, she has become more independent and confident. No matter how far her martial arts journey takes her, I believe this experience will be a lifelong spiritual asset for her," Fang said. "Perhaps one day, my daughter, my club students and I will all appear together in the arena. Martial arts keep me feeling young and passionate. I look forward to participating in competitions with my students even when I'm 60 years old."

A reception was held to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the 5th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Solomon Islands in Beijing on September 13. 

Shen Xin, secretary general of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, KS Vincent Sivas, Ambassador of Micronesia to China, and Barrett Salato, Ambassador of Solomon Islands to China, attended the reception and delivered speeches.

Shen said that the friendly exchanges between China and the people of Pacific Island countries have a longstanding history. 

In recent years, the two sides have actively expanded cooperation in various fields, which has not only enhanced the well-being of the people on both sides, but also made important contributions to regional peace, stability, and development.

Looking into the future, China is willing to work together with countries in the Pacific region to continue to deepen friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between the two sides and promote continuous new progress in China-Pacific friendly cooperative relations, he said. 

Ambassador Sivas said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the FSM and China, the exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as politics, economy, and culture have been continuously deepened, while mutual understanding and trust have been continuously strengthened. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), cooperation between the two sides has greatly benefited the people of the two countries, he affirmed. 

It is expected that the two sides will continue to expand friendship and cooperation in the future, the ambassador noted. 

Ambassador Salato said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the two sides have carried out a number of development cooperation projects, which have provided a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations.

The Solomon Islands is willing to work with China in the future to push bilateral relations to a new level, he said. 

Students from the Minzu University of China and their counterparts from the Solomon Islands, who are studying in China, performed folk songs and dances at the reception.

Avid spectator Lav Sopha on Wednesday drove his motorcycle about 30 km from Prey Veng province to watch a century-old tradition of buffalo races here in southeast Cambodia's Kandal province.

Although he had watched it a few times, Sopha has never lost his excitement in viewing the annual buffalo race, which was held on a 500-meter track leading to the Vihear Sour Pagoda in Ksach Kandal district.

At the event, buffaloes were adorned with brightly colored headgear, and racers rode them up and down the route, which was flanked by crowds of spectators, who enthusiastically used their smartphones to capture the views of the race.

"I'm thrilled to see this traditional buffalo race, and I feel that the scene has taken me back to the ancient time," he told Xinhua. "I'm never fed up with it, although I have watched it a few times already."

The buffalo race is part of a ceremony hosted by Vihear Sour villagers to mark the end of Pchum Ben, the annual 15-day festival honoring the dead.

Mam Sao, a 64-year-old member of the buffalo racing committee, said the tradition of buffalo racing in Vihear Sour village had been practiced since the 1920s and that there were 44 buffaloes participating in this year's race.

"The buffalo race is aimed at conserving and promoting our culture and tradition to local and international tourists," he told Xinhua.

He said the contest was not for championships or prizes, but for fun, as each of the participants was given 50,000 riels (12.5 US dollars) only.

According to Sao, villagers believed in the old superstition that the guardian spirit at Vihear Sour Pagoda was very powerful, and if villagers failed to hold the races, buffaloes or their owners could fall ill.

Buffalo rider Chhun Sokhen, 45, said he had taken part in the competition every year in order to preserve the age-old tradition of the Vihear Sour villagers and to celebrate the Pchum Ben festival.

"The buffalo race did not aim to choose the champions, but to create a joyful atmosphere during the celebrations of Pchum Ben festival," he told Xinhua. "After the race, we ride on our beasts back home and use them for normal farmwork."

Interspersed with the buffalo races were horse races and other events, including bouts of traditional wrestling, stick-fighting, and a prayer ceremony for the ancestors.

Vihear Sour Pagoda is located some 40 km southeast of the capital Phnom Penh.

An array of high-profile events were held in the past week to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC), with President Xi Jinping renewing his call for building a strong country.

At a reception held on the eve of the National Day, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized that the "best way" to commemorate the anniversary is to advance the "unprecedented" cause of building China into a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization.

A day before, when he conferred the highest state honors on heroes and role models, Xi called on the Chinese to bear in mind the aspiration to make the country strong.

"We should be loyal to the country, love the country, integrate personal development goals into the overall national development, and realize personal value in fulfilling duties for the country and serving the people," he said.

About 12 years ago, shortly after assuming the Party's top post, Xi first mentioned the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

In less than ten years, he led China to eliminate absolute poverty, achieving the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Historic achievements and changes have taken place across the board.

Xi believes that to govern the country, the Party must first be governed well, and only when the Party thrives can the nation be strong.

As the Party's top leader, Xi has strengthened the CPC's overall leadership to ensure that it plays the core role of coordinating the efforts of all sides. He has also advanced the full and rigorous self-governance of the Party.

In 2022, when the Party convened its 20th national congress, Xi outlined the timetable and roadmap for a two-step strategy for the Party to lead the nation in fully building a great modern socialist country by the middle of the century, when the people's republic celebrates its centennial.

He envisioned a blueprint for national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. "For China to become strong, every sector and aspect must be strengthened," he said.

China has been known as the world's factory, and Xi has recognized the need to further solidify the country's role as a manufacturing powerhouse.

During an inspection of the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China about a decade ago, Xi boarded a display model of the C919 passenger aircraft. He stressed the need to enhance the country's equipment manufacturing industry, saying that developing this sector, including large aircraft, should play a leading role in building a strong country.

By Sept. 1 this year, the domestically produced C919 aircraft had completed over 3,700 flights since entering commercial operation, transporting 500,000 passengers safely.

Xi's vision for a strong China encompasses various sectors, including manufacturing, aerospace, transportation, technology, education, culture, maritime affairs and finance.

Today, China has the world's largest operational network of high-speed railway; the cross-sea Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has set multiple world records, and China's new energy vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products have become popular exports.

Xi emphasized innovation as "the primary driving force for development," underscoring the importance of promoting the new development philosophy and stepping up the establishment of new development pattern.

As a result, continuous technological achievements have been scored, with new technologies, and new forms and new models of business thriving. A clear testament to this progress is China's rise on the global innovation index, moving from 34th in 2012 to 12th in 2023.

Noting that a great modern socialist country must be strong not only materially but also culturally and ethically, Xi proposed the concept of the "two integrations" -- blending the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and fine traditional culture -- while underscoring the need to "shoulder a new cultural mission."

Efforts in this regard have driven the prosperity of China's cultural industry and significantly boosted the cultural confidence of the Chinese people.

Xi considers a sound ecosystem essential for the prosperity of civilization. He placed ecological conservation in China's overall plan for national development, led the country in fighting the tough battle against pollution, and pushed for faster transition of China's growth model to one of green development.

As Xi has said, the Chinese Dream is essentially about ensuring a good life for the people. During his inspection tours, he always visits ordinary people, interacts with them, and asks about their living conditions.

For him, every issue concerning the people, big or small, deserves the utmost care and attention. Under his leadership, a series of national campaigns have been launched to improve public sanitation facilities, promote garbage sorting, enhance food safety supervision, and ease the curriculum burdens on school students.

Today, China has established the world's largest social security system, and its middle-income group has grown to over 400 million people as the country steadily moves toward its goal of common prosperity.

Over the years, the central leadership has formulated detailed timetables and roadmaps and resolved numerous long-standing problems.

In July, the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee adopted overarching plans to comprehensively deepen reforms and announced more than 300 major reform tasks to be completed by the PRC's 80th founding anniversary in 2029.

As Xi put it, China's future is closely connected with the world's future, and "we must combine the promotion of patriotism with opening wider to the world."

During his first overseas trip as Chinese president in March 2013, Xi said that "the Chinese Dream we aim to achieve will not only benefit the Chinese people but also people across the world."

During a visit to Europe in 2014, Xi mentioned a remark about China being a "sleeping lion," saying "In fact, the lion of China has awoken, but what the world sees now is a peaceful, amiable, civilized lion."

Xi has made the commitment that China will explore a new path of growing strong, which, distinct from the rise of traditional powers, features peaceful development.

Acknowledging that China cannot develop without the rest of the world, nor can the world flourish without China, Xi has always upheld economic globalization. "Whether you like it or not, the global economy is the big ocean that you cannot escape from," he once said.

China is opening wider to the outside world. The country has established 22 pilot free trade zones, built the Hainan Free Trade Port, promoted the signing and enforcement of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, continually reduced the negative list for foreign investment, and completely removed restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector.

Over the years, Xi has also promoted exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, advocated cooperation for mutual benefits, and worked to build a better global community.

He introduced the vision of building a human community with a shared future, which transcends outdated ideas such as the clash of civilizations and zero-sum games.

On advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said that what China pursues is not a form of modernization that benefits only itself, but a worldwide modernization where China collaborates with other countries to achieve peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation, and shared prosperity.

"Humanity shares one planet, and people from all countries share a common future," Xi said at this year's National Day reception, pledging China's even greater contributions to "the noble cause of peace and development of humanity." 

Xi extends congratulations to Shigeru Ishiba on election as Japanese PM

"Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and the US' insistence to support it by force will inevitably inflict harm to itself and suffer the consequences of its actions, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday, after the White House announced that it has approved a military package of $567 million in defense support to Taiwan region. 

US President Joe Biden on Sunday approved $567 million in defense support for Taiwan, the White House said, according to Reuters.

In response to US' latest move, Lin Jian, a spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a Monday press briefing that the US' latest arms supply to China's Taiwan region, severely violates the one China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US Joint Communiques.

The US move is in fact to support and encourage Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in their stubborn pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and their provocation against the one China principle, Lin stressed.

This once again proves that the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and the most significant damage to the cross-Straits status quo come from the secessionist activities of Taiwan independence forces and the connivance and support they receive from external forces led by the US, Lin stated. 

"Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and the US' insistence on "supporting it with force" will inevitably harm itself and face the consequences of its actions, Lin said on Monday. 

"We urge the US side to abide by the one China principle and the three China-US Joint Communiques, and to stop arming Taiwan in any way," Lin said, "No matter how many weapons the US provides to Taiwan, it will not shake our firm determination to oppose 'Taiwan independence' and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."