Ice and Snow Festival creates a new platform for international interaction

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

With the launch of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, foreign tourists flocked to the city. The long-standing development of ice tourism and the "ice and snow economy" has earned the "city of ice" widespread recognition both in China and abroad. A constantly optimized visa policy, including 144-hour visa-free transit and a trial 30-day visa-free regime for Russian citizens, has also contributed to the growing tourist flow.

The figures provide the most vivid confirmation: in the first year of the visa-free regime (since December 2024), the number of foreigners entering through Harbin Airport visa-free has increased sharply by 285.3% year-on-year. In just three months of the visa-free regime's trial for Russia, the share of visa-free entry among Russian tourists has reached 87.6%. During the festival, passenger traffic across the border is expected to reach approximately 79,000.

The current Harbin Ice and Snow Festival introduced the "Honorary Guest Country" system, with Belgium being the first such country. 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium. To commemorate this event, Belgium's famous Manneken Pis statue received an ice replica at the Great World of Ice and Snow.

The development of an "ice and snow economy" is impossible without a fully-fledged industrial chain and an innovative system. The International Snow and Ice Economy Exhibition, held concurrently in Harbin, showcased a comprehensive ecosystem—from equipment production and technological developments to event organization and tourism services—attracting leading global equipment manufacturers and technology service providers. International giants, such as TechnoAlpin, the world's leading snow gun manufacturer, and Bombardier, the inventor of the snowmobile, are actively participating in the exhibition, exploring the opportunities offered by the entire cycle—from production to consumption—in the Chinese winter recreation market.

Scientific and technological innovations related to the winter recreation industry are among the most attractive areas. For example, domestically produced industrial drones capable of operating in extremely cold conditions, as well as intelligent and automated technologies for constructing ice and snow structures, demonstrate the strength of Chinese manufacturing and attract the attention of the international community interested in cooperation.

During the exhibition's opening ceremony, a series of Chinese-Russian projects in the field of ice and snow economics were signed. These projects cover areas such as cooperation between chambers of commerce and industry, technological developments, inter-university research, and the development of cross-border tourism.

International forums, such as the World Mayors Dialogue, also focused on the economics of ice and snow. Their discussions expanded from winter tourism to addressing common challenges facing humanity: combating climate change, sustainable urban development, and responding to extreme weather conditions.

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Visiting the Hainan Provincial Science and Technology Museum

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

The Hainan Provincial Science and Technology Museum recently opened for trial operation. Numerous families with children and science enthusiasts flock here to experience the joy of learning in an interactive and innovative atmosphere.

The museum has become a new landmark venue for science popularization within the Hainan Free Trade Port. Its total area is approximately 46,500 square meters.

Its exhibition concept is expressed by the theme: "Sea of Stars – Where Dreams and Innovation Meet the Future in Hainan." The museum features four permanent thematic exhibitions: "A World of Curiosity," "Exploring a Blessed Land," "Secrets of the Deep Sea," and "Dreams of the Far Away." They comprehensively showcase Hainan's unique advantages in three areas—land, sea, and air—by vividly demonstrating local achievements in scientific and technological innovation and the fascinating confluence of ecology and technology, creating a bridge to scientific understanding for the public.

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Georgia ranks first in Eastern Europe and Central Asia for rule of law, according to the World Justice Project.

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Tbilisi, January 28 (Xinhua) — Georgia ranks first in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region for its rule of law, according to the European Commission's Rule of Law Index, the Georgian government administration announced on Wednesday.

The international organization World Justice Project recently released its 2025 Rule of Law Index, which evaluates the legal environment in 143 countries based on criteria such as the limitation of power, the absence of corruption, transparency, fundamental rights, order, and justice.

The study compiled a global crime-fighting effectiveness ranking, in which Georgia scored 92 points out of 100, ranking 17th in the world. Georgia ranked ahead of 23 EU and NATO member states, as well as other developed countries, including Germany, Italy, France, the UK, the US, and Canada.

According to the European Commission, the global crime performance index reflects the level of crime and the general perception of safety among the population of a country. –0–

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Hungary will defend its sovereignty amid Ukraine's interference in parliamentary elections, says Hungarian Foreign Minister

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Budapest, January 28 (Xinhua) — Hungary must prepare for further Ukrainian interference in the Hungarian parliamentary elections and defend its sovereignty, Hungarian Foreign and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó said on Wednesday.

In a statement published on social media, P. Szijjártó reported that the Ukrainian side had summoned the Hungarian ambassador to Kyiv earlier that day. According to the minister, Hungarian officials were not surprised by either the ambassador's summons or the content of the conversation they had with him.

The head of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry noted that Ukrainian officials have again criticized Hungary's plan to launch a nationwide petition to ascertain public opinion regarding the use of Hungarian funds to finance Ukraine.

P. Szijjártó added that the Ukrainian side has not provided an explanation for either Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's "offensive" remarks about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán or the comments made by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister. Ukraine has denied the allegations.

On January 26, Orbán announced that Hungary would take diplomatic action following statements by Ukrainian political leaders, which he called "insulting and threatening." Following this, the Hungarian side summoned the Ukrainian ambassador for an explanation.

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At least 12 people have died after a vehicle plunged into a gorge in Myanmar.

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YANGON, January 28 (Xinhua) — At least 12 people were killed in Myanmar on Wednesday evening when a vehicle carrying about 27 members of a theater troupe plunged into a deep ravine in Magway State, the Myanmar Theatre Association reported.

The association reported the tragedy later on Wednesday on social media, and its staff later confirmed the details to Xinhua.

Throughout the night, the association coordinates search and rescue operations and assistance to victims. –0–

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Russia has always advocated for the restoration of Syria's territorial integrity, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

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Moscow, January 28 (Xinhua) — Russia has always advocated for the restoration of Syria's territorial integrity and supports all efforts by its authorities in this direction, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday during talks with Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who arrived in Moscow on a working visit.

"We have closely monitored your efforts to restore Syria's territorial integrity. And I want to congratulate you on the fact that this process is gaining momentum. We have always advocated for the restoration of Syria's territorial integrity, as you know. And we support all your efforts in this direction," Vladimir Putin said.

The Russian President called the integration of the Euphrates region in the northeast of the country a crucial step and expressed hope that it will contribute to the restoration of Syria's territorial integrity as a whole.

According to Vladimir Putin, Russia is ready to assist in Syria's economic recovery. "We know that much will need to be rebuilt in Syria, and our economic operators, including those in the construction sector, are ready for this joint effort," the Russian leader emphasized.

A. al-Sharaa called the unification of Syria's territory a "major challenge" facing the country.

"We've been working on this issue since last year. Russia, of course, plays a major role in Syria, in stabilizing the situation not only in Syria but also in the region. In fact, our region is in dire need of stabilization," said A. al-Sharaa. He expressed gratitude to Vladimir Putin "for his efforts in this matter."

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The Russian Il-114-300 aircraft has completed all certification flights, according to the Rostec state corporation.

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Moscow, January 28 (Xinhua) — Certification flights of the new Russian Il-114-300 aircraft have been fully completed, and all necessary documents have been submitted to the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia). This was announced on Wednesday by the Russian state corporation Rostec.

"Certification flights have been completed in full. All necessary documents have been submitted to Rosaviatsiya. Type certification is expected to be received in the near future," TASS quotes the state corporation as saying.

The Il-114-300 turboprop aircraft is built from Russian components. It is designed to develop regional air service and is capable of operating autonomously from small airfields and short runways. The aircraft is certified for use in a wide range of climates—from Arctic latitudes to tropical, subtropical, and hot climates.

Completion of certification flights is a key milestone for the airliner's entry into civil aviation. "The first deliveries could take place as early as this year," Rostec noted. –0–

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China and France should work together to bring much-needed stability to the world, says Director of the Office of the CPC Central Committee's Foreign Affairs Commission

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Beijing, January 28 (Xinhua) — China and France, as large, independent and self-sufficient countries, should strengthen communication and coordination, jointly bring much-needed stability to the world, and more effectively give full play to the strategic value of China-France relations. This was stated on Wednesday by Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee.

Wang Yi made the statement during a telephone conversation with French Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne.

At the beginning of 2026, the international situation will undergo new significant changes, characterized by frequency and chaos, the Chinese diplomat noted.

As he pointed out, China and the EU are partners, not rivals, as demonstrated by the fruitful results of their cooperation over more than 50 years. According to Wang Yi, China and the EU share similar positions on promoting a multipolar world and on many other issues, and are capable of appropriately resolving specific trade disputes through dialogue and coordination.

The Chinese diplomat stressed that under the current circumstances, the two sides especially need to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, and deepen cooperation.

Recent visits to China by several European leaders have given a strong impetus to the development of Sino-European relations, Wang Yi stated, expressing hope that France will continue to play a constructive role in the European Union and promote the healthy and stable development of relations between China and the EU.

E. Bonn, for his part, stated that France places particular emphasis on the development of French-Chinese relations of comprehensive strategic cooperation and is ready to work with the Chinese side to implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries.

Guided by the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation, France is ready to strengthen strategic communication and coordination with China on major international issues in bilateral and multilateral formats, jointly overcome challenges, and make a positive contribution to protecting global security and stability, as well as promoting common development and prosperity, the adviser to the French president emphasized.

E. Bonn noted that moving toward each other and further stabilizing relations fully meets the interests of the European Union and China. France is ready to make active efforts to promote the sustainable development of relations between the EU and China, he added.

The parties also agreed on their positions and exchanged views on such pressing issues as the Ukrainian crisis, the situation in Venezuela and Iran. –0–

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More than 5,000 media outlets are registered in Kazakhstan.

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Astana, January 28 (Xinhua) — As of the end of 2025, 5,029 media outlets, including 306 foreign ones, were registered in Kazakhstan. This was reported on Wednesday by the Kazinform news agency, citing the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

As noted, 2025 has become a period of systemic reforms, institutional development, and strengthening of professional standards for Kazakhstan's media sphere. According to the ministry, 515 new media outlets were registered in the country last year alone.

Furthermore, in 2025, the agency reportedly developed draft amendments to legislation on online platforms and mass media, as well as to the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Administrative Offenses. The proposed amendments are aimed at regulating the activities of digital media resources.

Special attention was paid last year to developing international cooperation in the media sphere. In particular, major joint projects were implemented, including with countries such as Turkey, China, and Russia.

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More than 80 cubs were born at the Almaty Zoo this year.

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Almaty, January 28 (Xinhua) — In 2025, 87 cubs representing 31 animal species were born at the Almaty Zoo in Kazakhstan, adding a number of new and rare species to the zoo's collection. This was reported on Wednesday by the Kazinform news agency, citing the zoo's administration.

The new species that have appeared at the zoo include bison, tamandua, civet, genet and agama.

Currently, the 21-hectare Almaty Zoo houses more than 4,000 animals, birds, and reptiles representing 385 species. Of these, 76 are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and 24 are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan.

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