Visa-free entry boosted inbound tourism during the National Day weekend.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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

BEIJING/GUANGZHOU, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) — Inbound tourism to China saw a strong surge during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, boosted by visa facilitation policies and a rich array of cultural and tourism activities in China.

According to the Beijing Bureau of Culture and Tourism, 25 million tourists visited the Chinese capital during the holiday period, with tourism revenue reaching 31.65 billion yuan (approximately $4.45 billion), up 3.6 percent and 4.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

Notably, Beijing welcomed approximately 119,000 foreign visitors, a significant 48 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Their expenditure amounted to 1.23 billion yuan, a 54.1 percent increase year-on-year.

Popular destinations among international visitors included the Beijing Universal Resort theme park, the Palace Museum, the Mutianyu and Badaling sections of the Great Wall, and the renowned commercial districts of Sanlitun and Wangfujing. Duty-free sales in the city exceeded 22 million yuan during the holiday, more than double last year's figures.

Foreign tourists also immersed themselves in a rich array of cultural events during the holidays. In Beijing alone, over 4,200 cultural and tourist events were organized, along with nearly 100 tourist routes covering themes such as the Great Wall of China, the Grand Canal (Dayunhe), and the city's Central Axis, which were popular with both residents and tourists.

Guangdong Province in southern China, a major economic hub, also saw a significant increase in foreign travelers during the holidays, thanks to the country's steadily improving visa-free entry policy.

At Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, the capital of Guangdong Province, the total number of travelers leaving and entering China exceeded 350,000 by Wednesday afternoon, up more than 13 percent year-on-year.

Russian traveler Anna Ivanova expressed surprise at the speedy immigration process upon arrival in Guangzhou.

According to her, it took her only about 20 minutes from disembarking the plane to going through passport control. Traveling in China has become very convenient thanks to the visa-free policy.

The expedited immigration process is a result of the visa-free entry policy for Russian citizens with regular passports, which came into effect on September 15. Since then, more than 4,800 Russian travelers have entered China visa-free through Baiyun International Airport, accounting for approximately 66 percent of the total number of arrivals from Russia through this airport during the period.

"We are staffing around the clock, opening all passport control channels, and doing our utmost to ensure a safe, efficient, and convenient screening experience for travelers," said Liu Huifang, an airport border inspection officer.

According to the State Administration of Immigration (SAM) of the People's Republic of China, tourists from 76 countries can now enjoy unilateral or reciprocal visa-free entry, and transit visa exemptions have been expanded to 55 countries. Citizens of 55 countries can visit China visa-free for transit stays of up to 10 days before continuing on to a third destination.

Previously, the State Department Store of China predicted that on average, 2 million border crossings would be registered per day during the holidays.

To make travel easier for foreign tourists, China is working to remove payment barriers and deploying AI-powered translation tools at airports and tourist attractions across the country.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The wisdom of ancient civilizations guides Chinese-Italian cooperation – Wang Yi

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

Rome, October 9 (Xinhua) – China and Italy, drawing on the wisdom of their rich ancient civilizations, can both strengthen bilateral ties and offer the international community practical solutions to address today's global challenges. This was stated by Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, at a joint press conference with Antonio Tajani, Italian Vice Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Mutual respect, openness, cooperation, and mutual learning are the shared principles of China and Italy, embodying the wisdom of two ancient civilizations, said Wang Yi. They not only provide a solid guarantee for the development of bilateral relations but also offer the international community practical solutions to the challenges facing our time, the minister added.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. Over the past 55 years, the steady development of Chinese-Italian relations has been based on both historical exchanges and the need for mutually beneficial cooperation, said Wang Yi.

He emphasized that mutual respect is the right path to successful, harmonious coexistence between the two countries. Those who share similar ideals and values are friends, and those who seek common ground while embracing differences can also be friends. Cultural and institutional differences should not become an obstacle to dialogue and cooperation. The key to this is understanding and supporting each other's core interests and legitimate concerns.

China consistently believes that all countries, regardless of size or power, are equal members of the international community. Unilateral bullying should not dominate our era, and the international community should not repeat the mistakes of the law of the jungle. Equal treatment and participation in dialogue and consultation are the only path to resolving conflicts and differences, Wang Yi stated.

He noted that open and mutually beneficial cooperation is a successful model of bilateral relations. China and Italy support free trade and an open global economy. Bilateral trade volume has exceeded USD 70 billion in recent years. Italy is the "kingdom of small and medium enterprises," and China provides Italian businesses with the most suitable and extensive platform for leveraging their intellect and talent. For 13 consecutive years, the two sides have jointly held Science, Technology, and Innovation Week, providing sustainable impetus to strengthening trade, investment, and technological cooperation.

Wang Yi also emphasized that exchanges and mutual learning are essential for people-to-people unity. Cultural and humanitarian exchanges between China and Italy are dynamic and fruitful, he stated, noting that the two sides have pioneered a model of friendship between World Heritage sites, and that Italy has twice returned lost Chinese cultural relics.

Wang Yi noted that China and Italy, as representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, have made significant contributions to the development and progress of human society. The current international situation is complex, volatile, and fraught with crises, but it also offers new opportunities. China and Italy should leverage and build on the successful experiences of their exchanges, enhancing their understanding of the development of international relations.

China stands ready to work with Italy to be a constructive force in maintaining peace, stability, development and prosperity, promote international unity in addressing global challenges, build a more just and equitable global governance system, and jointly move towards a community of shared future for humanity.

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Final draft of Gaza ceasefire agreement under development, mediators say

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

Cairo, October 9 (Xinhua) — An agreement covering all provisions and mechanisms for implementing the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza has been reached. The final draft of the agreement is currently being drafted, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV reported on Thursday, citing mediators in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

The agreement will lead to an end to the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave. "Further details will be announced later," the channel reports.

The statement came after three days of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, where the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump was discussed.

Delegations from the United States, Qatar, and Turkey, as well as delegations from Hamas and Israel, took part in the talks held on Wednesday.

Speaking in a televised address on Wednesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said the talks in Sharm el-Sheikh were "progressing positively."

Trump's Gaza peace plan proposes a ceasefire, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

According to Gaza health authorities, since October 7, 2023, Israel's military campaign in the enclave, in addition to massive destruction of infrastructure and a worsening humanitarian situation, has resulted in the deaths of more than 67,000 Palestinians and the injury of approximately 170,000 others. –0–

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National Day holidays demonstrate China's robust economic vitality

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

BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) — The 2025 "Super Golden Week," which spans the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, showcased China's robust consumption growth and robust economic momentum, highlighting the country's transition to high-quality development.

CULTURE STIMULATES GROWTH

Across China, the synergy between cultural enrichment and economic growth is becoming increasingly evident.

Shanghai's historic Customs Building now features an "XR Experience" system, allowing visitors to explore the Bund's past, present, and future.

The World Table Tennis (WTT/China Smash) table tennis tournament was held in Beijing's Shougang Park, selling over 88,000 tickets, combining industrial heritage with modern sports culture.

Xiangtan Village, nestled deep in the mountains of Nanjing (the capital of Jiangsu Province, eastern China), now offers a tranquil escape. Village houses, cafes, and campsites attract city visitors seeking a slower pace of life.

Thanks to the creation of a cultural brand, local products such as gardenia flowers now command a higher price, and revenue from the sale of creative goods reaches nearly 5 million yuan (about US$703,680).

According to leading online travel agency Fliggy, holiday bookings for rural guesthouses have increased by more than 40 percent year-on-year, reflecting a growing preference for immersive and personalized travel experiences.

"Cultural tourism is undergoing a shift from sightseeing to lifestyle immersion—a transformation that is changing the entire industry chain," said Dai Bin, head of the China Tourism Academy.

MARKET POTENTIAL IS UNLEASHING

The holiday also served as a barometer for consumption growth in China, with new business models and scenarios driving market viability.

In Tianjin, northern China, a pop-up store dedicated to a local animated series allowed fans to interact with their favorite characters. "It's amazing to see the fictional world come to life," said Xu Lin, a visitor from Shandong Province, eastern China.

Low-altitude tourism, including helicopter, paragliding and hot air balloon rides, has gained popularity in Huzhou City, East China's Zhejiang Province, with 16 routes and seven operating sites offered during the festival.

Meanwhile, smart home appliances are driving sales of higher-value home products. Preliminary data showed that AI-enabled smart devices accounted for 55 percent of holiday sales at Suning stores. "Shoppers are increasingly focused on intelligence and user experience," said Ma Ye, deputy manager of Suning's Beijing store.

Policy also played a key role in stimulating consumption. On September 30, the Chinese central government issued the fourth tranche of ultra-long special treasury bonds this year, worth 69 billion yuan, intended for trade-in of consumer goods. Local authorities also issued consumer vouchers and launched initiatives such as "travel on credit" to ease spending.

CREATING MOMENTUM

From major infrastructure projects to advanced manufacturing sites, work continued across the country during the holiday, highlighting China's growth momentum.

In Jinan, Shandong Province, more than 26,000 workers were simultaneously working on eight subway lines.

In Jilin Province, the carbon fiber workshop of Jilin Guoxing Composite Materials Co., Ltd. was operating at full capacity. "Our products are in high demand. This year alone, we delivered 1.4 million drone blades to a leading manufacturer," said Wang Le, the company's Director of Electrical Engineering.

From the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to the energy bases on the edge of the Tengger Desert, thousands of people continued to work on key projects.

As the festival draws to a close, the synergy between cultural enrichment and economic growth, coupled with the tenacity of workers across the country, provides a clear picture of a progressive China relentlessly pursuing high-quality development. -0-

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The Chinese Foreign Minister called for strengthening Chinese-Italian cooperation.

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

ROME, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attended the 12th joint meeting of the China-Italy Intergovernmental Commission here on Wednesday, calling for stronger cooperation between the two countries.

He noted that since last year, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Senate President Ignazio La Russa, and Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni have visited China, and the two sides have announced an action plan to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang Yi acknowledged the important role of the China-Italy Intergovernmental Commission—the first intergovernmental cooperation mechanism between China and a European country—in developing bilateral relations. This mechanism, now in its 21st year of operation, has earned widespread trust and support from various sectors in both countries, the minister added.

Against the backdrop of rapid and profound changes in the international situation, China-Italy cooperation is facing new situations, opportunities, and challenges, the Foreign Minister stated. He added that China stands ready to work with Italy to uphold the original intentions of the establishment of the China-Italy Intergovernmental Commission, adhere to principles while pursuing innovation, and promote the modernization of the cooperation mechanism to a more systematic, targeted, and effective Version 2.0, to better align with the development strategy of China-Italy relations.

Wang Yi proposed strengthening the mechanism's strategic dimension and making it more dynamic. These efforts must be in line with the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and the strategic guidance, incorporating innovative approaches to work, and accelerating the implementation of the published three-year action plan, the minister emphasized.

Wang Yi also called for promoting cooperation at the subnational level to make the mechanism more practical. Local governments should continue to play a key role in trade cooperation and cultural exchanges, and further strengthen local business participation and people-to-people exchanges, he stated.

According to Wang Yi, China and Italy are two major economies that embrace free trade, two powerful forces that champion multilateralism, and two ancient civilizations that champion exchanges and mutual learning. Amid the complex and turbulent international situation, China and Italy must demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, follow the trends of the times, maintain mutual trust, and achieve common goals, the Foreign Minister said.

Guided by the spirit of openness, the two sides should expand and strengthen pragmatic cooperation and make greater contributions to the economic development and well-being of the peoples of both countries through fruitful cooperation, he added.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, who also participated in the meeting, praised the healthy development of relations with China and the rich results achieved, noting that the friendship between the two countries has deep historical roots.

Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, Italy and China have established a comprehensive strategic partnership that has brought tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries, noted A. Tajani. The Italian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission plays a vital role in this process, he said, adding that the meeting's results reflect the positive intentions of both sides.

A. Tajani also stated that China is one of Italy's priority partners, and Rome attaches great importance to the enormous potential of the Chinese market.

According to him, Italy hopes to further deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in the areas of economics and trade, investment, science and technology, culture and sports, as well as to strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. Italy is ready to join forces with China to protect free trade, maintain the continuity of global supply chains, and work together to peacefully resolve international disputes through dialogue, A. Tajani emphasized.

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China and Italy reaffirmed strong ties and pledged to strengthen cooperation.

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

ROME, October 9 (Xinhua) — The history of relations between China and Italy clearly demonstrates that openness, cooperation, and common development are the right choice, based on the cultural heritage and practical needs of both countries. This was stated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, during a meeting with Italian Vice Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome on Wednesday.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. Wang Yi noted that for over half a century, the two countries have maintained high-level and pragmatic cooperation, fostered high-quality cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and built a fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership.

China is willing to work with Italy to strengthen trust, eliminate interference, actively implement the action plan to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, promote new achievements in bilateral cooperation, and boost the economic development of both countries, Wang Yi added.

He said China hopes and believes that Italy will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle and strengthen the political foundation for the healthy and sustainable development of bilateral relations.

China is willing to actively explore opportunities for cooperation with Italy in the fields of ecology, digital technology, aerospace, artificial intelligence, and other areas, as well as create a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, and predictable business environment to encourage enterprises from both countries to increase bilateral investment, Wang Yi noted.

A. Tajani, in turn, stated that Italy attaches great importance to its relations with China. He stated that economic and trade cooperation is a key driving force for the development of bilateral relations. He expressed hope that both sides will strengthen dialogue and exchanges through bilateral mechanisms, deepen practical cooperation, effectively implement the three-year action plan, and promote the continuous deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Italy is willing to expand mutual investment with China in both traditional and innovative sectors, expand exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, healthcare, tourism, culture and other fields, open more direct flights, and make good use of the opportunity of Italy hosting the Winter Olympics next year to strengthen mutual support, said A. Tajani.

Italy welcomes increased investment in Italy from Chinese companies and is ready to create favorable conditions for this, he added.

A. Tajani also noted that his country firmly adheres to the one-China policy and will never deviate from this position. Italy is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China and jointly promote a peaceful resolution to issues such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the crisis in Ukraine.

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A new French prime minister is expected to be appointed within the next 48 hours, according to S. Lecornu.

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

PARIS, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) — Outgoing French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Wednesday evening that President Emmanuel Macron could appoint a new prime minister within the next 48 hours.

“I feel that a way forward is possible,” S. Lecornu said on France 2 television, noting that the current situation allows the president to begin making appointments.

“It is he who will conduct the final consultations,” added S. Lecornu.

Amid calls from opposition parties for Macron to hold early presidential elections to end the political impasse, S. Lecornu said that now is "not the time to change the president." He added that Macron will address the nation "at the appropriate time."

S. Lecornu also addressed a number of important policy issues, stating that "a way must be found" to renew the debate on pension reform. He warned that suspending the reform would cost at least €3 billion (US$3.5 billion) by 2027.

He said the 2026 budget proposal could be presented to the cabinet next Monday, but the plan "won't be perfect" and would require extensive debate.

S. Lecornu resigned on Monday, less than a month after being appointed by E. Macron and a day after announcing part of his cabinet. –0–

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China announced export controls on rare earth element-related technologies.

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

Beijing, October 9 (Xinhua) — China's Ministry of Commerce announced Thursday the introduction of export control measures against rare earth element-related technologies. These measures are effective upon publication.

Foreign organizations and individuals must obtain a dual-use export license before exporting certain rare earth element-related goods to countries and regions outside China, according to a statement from China's Ministry of Commerce.

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Israel and Hamas signed the first phase of the peace plan, according to Donald Trump.

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

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) — US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday on the social media platform TruthSocial that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of his proposed peace plan.

“This means that all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its forces to the agreed upon lines as the first steps toward a strong, lasting and everlasting peace,” Trump wrote.

He thanked the mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for this “historic and unprecedented event.”

Speaking to reporters earlier in the day at the White House, Trump said he might travel to the Middle East "later this weekend."

Israel and Hamas began indirect ceasefire talks in Gaza on Monday in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Since the war began on October 7, 2023, Israeli airstrikes have devastated the Gaza Strip, causing widespread famine and displacement. According to Gaza health authorities, at least 67,183 people have been killed and 169,841 wounded.

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The city of Kucha is an open-air museum.

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

The city of Kucha, designated a historical and cultural city of national significance, is located in the central part of the southern foothills of the Tien Shan, on the northern edge of the Tarim Basin. As an important transportation hub on the ancient Silk Road, it became a place where diverse cultures merged, giving birth to a vibrant and distinctive civilization.

Cave temples, ancient castles, beacon towers… Of the 180 cultural relics in Kucha, two are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 11 are national monuments, and 41 are regional monuments. In 2023, Kucha was included in the second list of national pilot zones for the protection and utilization of cultural heritage.

The entire city resembles an open-air museum, and its centuries-old culture can be felt at every step.

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