Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia Prof. Shahbaz Khan Delivers Video Address at International Taijiquan Symposium Marking Inaugural International Taijiquan Day

The international symposium on Taijiquan was held here at the Conference Center of the National People’s Congress on 20 March 2026 to celebrate the first-ever International Taijiquan Day. The event was hosted by the Editorial Board of the “Blue Book of World Taichi”, under the guidance of the International Cooperation Center (ICC) and the China Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation (CISTE). The symposium aimed to showcase Chinese Taijiquan to the world through international exchanges and discussions, so as to better promote its global dissemination and communication, and enhance its international influence. Li Minrong, Deputy Director of the Editorial Board of the “Blue Book of World Taichi”, delivered a speech on behalf of the organizer. He noted that from an oriental treasure to an international celebration, the light of Taiji illuminates the path of mutual learning among civilizations. He proposed giving full play to the "bridge-building" role of the think-tanks, empowering Taijiquan with technology and international exchanges to compose a new chapter in its internationalization. He also called for joint efforts to draw a blueprint for human health and build a community with a shared future for mankind by following the philosophy of Taiji. Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia delivered a video address to the symposium.

In his address, Professor Khan extended his sincere gratitude, on behalf of UNESCO and its Regional Office for East Asia, to the Editorial Board of the “Blue Book of World Taichi”, the ICC, and the CISTE, and all partners who contributed to the organization of this significant event. Over the centuries, Taijiquan has evolved into a rich system encompassing major styles such as Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun. Today, hundreds of millions of people across more than 180 countries and regions practice Taijiquan. Its growing international influence shows that Taijiquan is not only a traditional Chinese martial art, but also a shared cultural heritage transcending national borders and cultures. He stated that UNESCO highly values the protection of living cultural traditions that foster social cohesion, enhance well-being and promote intercultural dialogue. In 2020, Taijiquan was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, recognizing its cultural value and vital role in promoting health, physical and mental balance, and community life.