People in Paris are increasingly turning to the ancient Chinese practice of martial arts to take up bodybuilding and escape from the stresses of modern life.
Every morning, a group of traditional Chinese sports enthusiasts gather near the riverbank to practice Tai Chi and Qigong, which are mind-body-spirit exercises that improve mental and physical wellbeing.
They are members of the French Federation for Chinese Energetic and Martial Arts (FFAEMC). Consiglia Ciaburri, counselor of FFAEMC, said there are over 20,000 members in the federation, and they have five fixed practice areas in Paris alone.
For them, practicing traditional Chinese martial arts helps build up their bodies and has a calming element to it.
"It's an art, first of all, it's martial art. But the word 'art' is very important. It means that it’s not only sport, it's more. There is mental way to do it. So that's why it's really really great for us," said Ciaburri.
After joining the federation in 2003, Ciaburri has been promoting Chinese traditional sports since then. She has also been advocating for ancient martial arts to be listed as an Olympic event.
Over the years, members of the federation have participated in various martial arts competitions globally. Now, its youngest martial artist named Annabelle, who is only nine years old, has already stood out in several international contests.
"So in 2026, there will be the Youth Olympics in Dakar. So we are sending some of our athletes. Hope that Annabelle will go there. She could win," Ciaburri said.
Parisians find inner peace through Chinese martial arts
Permanent representative of Israel to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon on Thursday denied that any discussions had occurred between Israel and the UN regarding delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Danon made these remarks at the UN headquarters in response to a query from a China Central Television (CCTV) reporter about the ongoing failure to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel blocked the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the end of the first phase of a January ceasefire deal with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18.
With no food, no supplies, and no relief in sight, Gazans have been enduring a relentless fight for survival.
In response to mounting international condemnation, Israel has proposed that its military take over the distribution of aid - a move widely criticized by the international community.
Briefing a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher noted that the UN has met for over 12 times with the Israeli authorities regarding the latter's proposed aid distribution model, yet no solution had been found.
Danon, however, stated that no discussions have taken place in recent weeks regarding the issue.
"I don't know about that. Actually I listened to Mr. Fletcher's remarks at the Security Council the other day, and I can tell you that he visited Israel but he had no discussion about that fund because it was way back and in the last few weeks there was no dialogue about that. I would expect UN officials to engage when they want to speak about issues they know how to reach us, they know how to reach the U.S. mission. We are here to engage," he said.
"They got some information from the media, I assume. But I think they should look into that and to realize that if they want to be involved, that is the way to be involved," he added, reiterating that the UN has not reached out.
In response to Danon's denial, the United Nations reaffirmed its position, standing by the public statement released by Fletcher.
"I heard what he said, and we stand by what Mr. Fletcher has said," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General noted later on the day, commenting on Danon's statement.
"Mr. Fletcher gave the details," he continued.
Israel envoy denies discussions with UN on enabling Gaza aid deliveries