Today (April 26) is World Tai Chi Day. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that embodies the essence of China’s long-standing civilization. It reflects the traditional Chinese philosophical concepts of the cycle of yin and yang and the harmony between humans and nature. Tai Chi also illustrates the Eastern philosophy of overcoming strength with gentleness and achieving harmonious coexistence.
Learning Tai Chi has become an important way to understand China and its culture. Practicing Tai Chi not only strengthens the body and provides self-defense but also cultivates character and nurtures the mind. Tai Chi has spread to more than 180 countries and regions, with over 500 million practitioners worldwide. In 2021, it was officially included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Tai Chi is beloved worldwide for its profound cultural heritage and practical flexibility.
Cultural exchanges between China and Sri Lanka have a long history. Our two countries have always enhanced understanding and built consensus through cultural interactions. The Sri Lankan people have a strong interest in Chinese culture, and Tai Chi has a broad base of popularity here.
Each year, Sri Lanka sends professional teams to international Tai Chi competitions and has won many awards. This reflects not only the popularity of Tai Chi and other Chinese martial arts in Sri Lanka but also the deep integration of Chinese and Sri Lankan cultures and the mutual understanding between our peoples.
I hope that through today’s World Tai Chi Day celebrations, more Sri Lankan friends will join this beneficial activity for physical and mental health, further strengthening sports and cultural exchanges between China and Sri Lanka, and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples. I look forward to our two nations continuing to work hand in hand for common progress through mutual learning and cultural exchange.
