Chinese athletes reflect on Paris Olympics at China House

As the Paris Olympics draw to a close, Chinese athletes who have completed their competitive endeavors are gathering at the China House to share their tales of triumph and challenge from the prestigious event and to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Chinese Olympic culture.

Among them are illustrious weightlifters Li Fabin, Hou Zhihui, and Luo Shifang, who have clinched gold medals in the ongoing weightlifting competitions at the Paris Olympics.

These champions have taken a moment to delve into the history of China's Olympic journey while offering their unwavering support to those who are still competing for medals.

"I hope [Chinese athletes] continue to strive. In the Olympic arena, there are indeed uncertainties and a great deal of randomness at times, but we must hold onto one belief firmly, that is to fight for the country, embody the Olympic spirit, love competition, dare to win, and will win," said Li Fabin, Chinese weightlifter and two-time Olympic gold medalist.

The China House, a hub of cultural exchange and relaxation established by the Chinese Olympic Committee in Paris, has welcomed not only weightlifters but also swimmers and gymnasts who have completed their respective events. There athletes can find solace in the familiarity of their cultural heritage and share their post-competition narratives with the wider community.

Zou Jingyuan, a celebrated gymnast who secured a gold medal in the parallel bars event, recounted his journey of resilience and triumph amidst injury setbacks.

"This is my second time participating in the Olympics and I encountered many challenges due to injuries, but what I wanted most was to defend my title in the parallel bars event. With faith, I fought for glory and successfully secured the parallel bars Olympic championship this time. I feel especially happy," said Zou, Chinese artistic gymnast and two-time Olympic gold medalist.

Chinese athletes reflect on Paris Olympics at China House

Chinese athletes reflect on Paris Olympics at China House

The European Central Bank (ECB) announced on Thursday that it would slash key interest rates by 25 basis points in a bid to wind down the restrictive monetary policy.

Effective from March 12, the interest rates on the deposit facility, the main refinancing operations and the marginal lending facility will be decreased to 2.50 percent, 2.65 percent and 2.90 percent respectively, said the central bank in a statement.

The disinflation process is well on track, with headline inflation averaging 2.3 percent in 2025, 1.9 percent in 2026 and 2.0 percent in 2027, the ECB said.

The decision to keep on cutting rates came at a time when the economy in the eurozone is facing increasing uncertainties.

In its latest edition of the staff projections on Thursday, the ECB lowered its forecast for economic growth in the eurozone to 0.9 percent for 2025, 1.2 percent for 2026 and 1.3 percent for 2027.

This marks a downward revision from the ECB's forecast in December last year, which had projected 1.1 percent growth in 2025 and 1.4 percent in 2026, while the 2027 outlook remains unchanged.

The ECB attributed the weaker growth outlook for 2025 and 2026 to declining exports and sluggish investment, citing high trade policy uncertainty and broader economic instability as key factors.

ECB cuts interest rates by 25 basis points