A China-Myanmar Wushu cultural exchange programme was held on 2 June at the China Cultural Centre in Yangon, featuring demonstrations, performances, and discussions to strengthen cultural understanding and sports cooperation between the two countries.
The event was organized under the theme promoting friendship through martial arts, highlighting Wushu as a shared cultural bridge that connects people beyond language and borders. Officials noted that Wushu embodies core Chinese cultural philosophies such as balance between strength and softness, movement and stillness, and harmony with nature, making it not only a sport but also a cultural symbol widely recognized internationally.
During the programme, Myanmar Wushu Federation deputy chief U Nyi Lin explained the development of Wushu in Myanmar since the federation’s establishment in 1993. He said the organization has been working under the Myanmar Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports to promote Wushu nationwide, train athletes, and send national teams to international competitions. Over the years, Myanmar Wushu athletes have achieved a total of 265 medals in regional, Asian, and world competitions, including 69 gold, 99 silver, and 97 bronze medals.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand Wushu education in Myanmar. Wushu is currently being taught in sports institutes in Yangon and Mandalay, with training centres established across 15 states and regions through local committees. Youth training camps under the Ministry of Sports also include Wushu programmes to encourage wider participation among young people.
Representing the Chinese side, a representative from the Chinese Embassy in Yangon Mr Li Qianguo stated that Wushu has evolved into a global cultural language that helps promote mutual understanding between different cultures. He added that Tai Chi has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the international community recently marked the first International Tai Chi Day in March.
The China Cultural Centre in Yangon also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing Wushu exchange programmes, improving training methods, and supporting greater youth engagement in martial arts learning to deepen people-to-people ties between China and Myanmar.
The programme featured a series of performances including Wushu demonstrations by students from the China Cultural Centre, kung fu performances by Yu De Education Centre and Bowen School students, traditional Chinese dance by Myanmar International Education Centre students, and demonstrations by Wushu masters such as Mr Wang Fengyin and Mr Huang Tao. Myanmar national Wushu athletes also showcased their skills, alongside a special artistic performance titled “When Calligraphy Meets Wushu”.
Officials said Myanmar has successfully hosted major international Wushu events in the past, including South-East Asian and Asian championships, and continues to prepare for future regional competitions. The federation is currently working on athlete selection and training plans for the 2027 South-East Asian Games in Malaysia, with hopes for continued technical cooperation with China in coaching and training support.
The event concluded with a series of cultural exchanges that emphasized friendship, discipline, and shared artistic values through martial arts, reinforcing Wushu as a growing symbol of cultural diplomacy between the two countries. — Htun Htun/KZL
