Henan monks demonstrate the strength and skill of kung fu

More than strength and skill, kung fu is art, philosophy and discipline, demonstrated four monks from the Shaolin monastery in the province of Henan who participated yesterday in the celebration of Chinese Culture Day, organized by the embassy of that nation in our country. , in which three Mexican groups that practice this oriental art also participated.

Suspended –apparently– eternally in the air, impossibly contorted horizontally or vertically, emulating herons, toads or vipers, defying any physical law or limitation of human anatomy, the oriental performers aroused the astonishment and admiration of those who came to see them. that diplomatic representation, located in the south of the country’s capital.

Whether they were Mexican secretaries of State, officials, legislators, representatives of the armed forces, members of diplomatic representations of other countries or of the Chinese community in Mexico, the majority’s gaze overflowed and quite a few contained their emotion at this display of skill. superhuman expression of those impassive-looking monks who thanked the ovations with quick bows.

It was impossible not to evoke scenes from any of Bruce Lee’s films or to think how short one fell before the magnificence of those artist-athletes who, naturally, carried one of their legs behind their heads, did not one or two , but up to three somersaults backwards, they seemed to disarticulate one of their limbs, or sitting in a lotus flower they raised themselves on their two fists or did the same while lying down vertically. All in a way that is as surprising as it is sublime.

The Asian ambassador Zhang Run acted as host and recalled that this is an event that has been held in Mexico for 10 years – with the pause forced by the pandemic – with the aim of strengthening knowledge and exchange of the peoples and cultures of China. and Mexico.

He highlighted that on this occasion they decided to dedicate it to Chinese kung fu for its three fundamental characteristics: benevolence towards others, the defense of justice and the synergy between heaven and man.

It is not only part of the fundamentals of the excellent traditional Chinese culture, but also coincides with the objective of our diplomacy to build a community with a shared future with humanity.

He specified that a true master of Chinese kung fu does not learn it to use it, but rather the opposite, from the idea that the benevolent is invincible.

Harmony among nations

Continuing his analogy between that ancient discipline and Chinese diplomacy, he maintained that one focus of the latter has been the harmony between nations in which that Asian country advocates for a multipolar, egalitarian and orderly world, as well as universally beneficial economic globalization.

He clarified that this means the construction of a peaceful, safe, commonly prosperous, open and inclusive world, as well as clean and beautiful.

He argued that the Chinese kung fu spirit of not fearing the powerful and upholding justice has been a true reflection of that culture for thousands of years, as is the essence of its diplomacy today.

On issues of great importance to the destiny and direction of world development, China has always valued trust, friendship, justice and morality, and has firmly stood by the countries of the global South.

He stated that, like kung fu, Chinese diplomacy respects natural laws, adapts to its natural changes, and emphasizes the harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

Ambassador Zhang Run highlighted that in just over a year of diplomatic exercise in our nation he has focused on fulfilling a policy of the four Cs: sharing, cooperating, building and understanding.

I am pleased to see that thanks to the joint efforts of all of you, Sino-Mexican relations have seen active developments in these four aspects.. Likewise, he recalled the meeting last November between Presidents Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Xi Jinping in the United States, in addition to highlighting that bilateral trade and investment have grown steadily.

“According to Chinese statistics, bilateral trade in 2023 reached 100.225 million dollars, marking an increase of 6 percent over the previous year, and in the first two months of this year bilateral trade increased by a surprising 18 percent. cent year-on-year.

Projects such as the Mayan Train, line 1 of the Mexico City Metro and the Guadalajara light rail are being promoted with good progress and the number of Chinese companies in Mexico has doubled.

According to the diplomatic representative, China and Mexico are collaborating closely in the multilateral aspect, firmly defending multilateralism and the democratization of international relations, protecting international justice and the legitimate rights of developing countriesdeepening regional cooperation.

He stated that both nations are in key stages of development and that China highly values ​​Mexico’s role in international and regional affairs.

Looking to the future, the prospects for the development of China-Mexico relations are broad and have great potential. Together we will deepen mutual political trust, maintain mutually beneficial cooperation, inherit friendship, and continuously enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between our brother countries for the best benefit of both people.