Anshan’s Tiexi district in Liaoning province is leveraging its burgeoning pet industry to drive economic growth and urban transformation. With an annual revenue of 4 to 5 billion yuan ($562 million to $702 million), the district has become a hub for pet-related activities, accounting for two-thirds of the city’s pet industry earnings. This strategic shift marks a significant departure from Tiexi’s historical reliance on heavy industry, particularly its association with Ansteel Group, a state-owned steel manufacturer. The district’s focus on the pet industry exemplifies the broader industrial transformation underway in Northeast China, as it seeks to diversify its economy and cultivate emerging sectors. Ding Kunbin, head of Tiexi district, highlighted the region’s natural advantages for pet breeding, including a climate conducive to fur growth and a rich canine gene pool with around 200 breeds, many of which are rare. The pet industry’s roots trace back to the 1990s when laid-off steelworkers began home-based breeding operations, which later evolved into large-scale enterprises. Today, the sector is driven by a new generation of professionals and e-commerce platforms. With China’s aging population and declining marriage rates, the pet industry is poised for significant growth. The 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper reveals that China’s urban pet population reached 120 million in 2024, with a corresponding consumption market valued at 300 billion yuan. To support this growth, Tiexi is developing a pet theme park, a pet-friendly hotel, and an indoor pet transportation facility in collaboration with airlines. These initiatives aim to enhance animal welfare, improve urban pet-friendliness, and provide recreational spaces for pet owners. The district is also implementing a clear industrial spatial layout to minimize environmental impact and neighborhood disruption, with plans for centralized pet breeding bases to standardize practices and control disease outbreaks. Through spatial and industrial planning, detailed policies, and regulatory oversight, Tiexi is guiding its pet industry toward high-quality and high-value development.
博客
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Orchids flourish in hidden gem Wanglang
Nestled in the northern reaches of Sichuan province, the Wanglang National Nature Reserve stands as a testament to China’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage. Despite its proximity to the renowned Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong scenic areas, Wanglang remains a hidden gem, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. However, this reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity, particularly known for its rich variety of orchids, including the unique Cypripedium species.
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Marionette festival in Mali defies threats from jihadi militants to celebrate culture
In the heart of Bamako, Mali’s bustling capital, the streets came alive with the vibrant spectacle of the Rendez-Vous Chez Nous festival. Organized by the Nama marionette and dance group, the three-day event, held from November 6 to 8, showcased a dazzling array of dance performances, concerts, and theatrical plays. The festival’s centerpiece was a parade of over 200 giant marionettes, representing modern Malian women adorned with bold features, colorful attire, and intricate hairstyles, alongside animal puppets symbolizing unity and social cohesion. Despite the city’s ongoing struggles with al-Qaida-backed jihadi militants, who have imposed a monthslong blockade on fuel imports, the festival drew thousands of enthusiastic onlookers and participants from across West Africa. Yacouba Magassaouba, the festival director, emphasized the resilience of Malian artists, stating, ‘We fight through our art. Canceling this festival would mean the jihadists have won.’ The event, supported by the Spanish embassy and other partners, highlighted Mali’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring spirit of creativity and community. Amid the chaos, the festival served as a beacon of hope and defiance, celebrating the nation’s artistic legacy and fostering regional unity.
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NATO member Romania finds drone fragments after Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports
In a significant development, Romania, a NATO member, reported the discovery of drone fragments on its soil in an inhabited area near its southeastern border with Ukraine. This incident occurred following Russian military strikes targeting Ukrainian ports along the Danube River overnight. The Romanian Ministry of National Defense revealed that radar systems detected multiple drones approaching the country’s airspace shortly after midnight on Tuesday, prompting emergency alerts for residents in Tulcea County. Due to adverse weather conditions, fighter jets could not be deployed, but military personnel successfully recovered the suspected drone fragments approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) inside Romanian territory. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu confirmed the incident on social media platform X, emphasizing that such actions are part of Russia’s broader strategy of aggression and provocation against NATO and the European Union. She also announced that new sanctions are being prepared to impose significant costs on Russia for its reckless behavior. This marks the latest in a series of increasingly frequent drone incursions into Romanian airspace as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukrainian Danube River ports. In response, Romania and Poland are deploying advanced weapons systems to counter the growing threat of Russian drones, which has exposed vulnerabilities within NATO and heightened tensions across Europe.
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The night an explosion shook Delhi
A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort metro station on Monday evening has left at least eight people dead and over 20 injured, sending shockwaves through the Indian capital. The blast, which occurred in one of the city’s most secure and bustling areas, was so powerful that it melted nearby vehicles and was heard kilometers away. The incident has sparked widespread panic and a high-alert response from law enforcement agencies. The explosion took place on a road sandwiched between Chandni Chowk, a bustling trading hub, and the historic Red Fort, a major tourist attraction. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with people running in all directions, vehicles engulfed in flames, and bodies scattered on the road. Local resident Mohamed Hafiz recounted the terrifying moment, saying, ‘There was blood everywhere. People were in shock. The scene was too disturbing—I could even see body parts.’ The injured were rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital, where a large crowd gathered, anxiously searching for answers and missing loved ones. Among them was Mohammed Azghar, whose brother, an electric rickshaw driver, has been missing since the blast. ‘We’ve searched everywhere but can’t find him. I just want some news—good or bad,’ Azghar pleaded. The blast site, usually teeming with activity, was eerily deserted, with only security personnel and journalists present. The mangled remains of vehicles and bloodstains on the road bore grim testimony to the tragedy. Local residents, visibly shaken, expressed concerns about their safety and livelihoods. Ram Singh, a goods transporter, voiced his worries: ‘I earn daily and am concerned about feeding my family. I hope a sense of security returns soon.’ As investigations continue, the city remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of one of the most shocking incidents in over a decade.
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Historic games cycling race a testament to GBA integration
The 15th National Games witnessed a groundbreaking event on Saturday as over 100 cyclists participated in the men’s individual road race, traversing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. This 231.8-kilometer race, a first in the games’ 66-year history, linked Guangdong province with the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, symbolizing the deepening integration of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The event highlighted the region’s advanced infrastructure and enhanced connectivity, offering a unique experience for both athletes and spectators. Starting in Zhuhai, the route passed through Macao’s Taipa Island and Hong Kong’s Lantau Island before returning to Zhuhai, with riders crossing checkpoints six times without stopping. The race not only showcased the GBA’s technological advancements but also emphasized the convenience of cross-boundary travel. Macao rider Kam Chin Pok remarked on the growing ease of movement within the GBA, noting that such events foster greater public awareness of regional integration. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a marvel of engineering spanning 55 kilometers, provided a challenging yet exhilarating backdrop for the race. Cyclists faced strong sea winds and changing landscapes, from urban skylines to expansive sea views. Li Dongyu, representing Tianjin, described the experience as awe-inspiring, while Han Feng of the Chinese Cycling Association praised the boldness of the concept. The event’s seamless organization, with staff ensuring safety at every checkpoint, further underscored the GBA’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration through sports.
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Taiwan evacuates thousands ahead of tropical storm Fung-wong after deaths in the Philippines
Taiwan has initiated large-scale evacuations and precautionary measures as Tropical Storm Fung-wong approaches, following its destructive path through the Philippines. Over 3,000 residents from vulnerable regions have been relocated, and schools and offices in Hualien and Yilan counties were closed on Tuesday. The storm, which has already claimed at least 18 lives and displaced more than 1.4 million people in the Philippines, is expected to make landfall near Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s southwestern port city, by Wednesday afternoon or evening. Taiwan’s weather agency reported that Fung-wong, though weakening, still carries maximum sustained winds of 108 kph (67 mph) and gusts of 137 kph (85 mph). The storm is projected to sweep across the island and exit via its northeastern side by early Thursday. Authorities have issued land warnings for southern and southwestern areas, including Kaohsiung, Pingtung County, Tainan, and Taitung. Meanwhile, China has activated an emergency typhoon response for its southeastern provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Hainan. The Philippines continues to grapple with the aftermath, with over a million people displaced and thousands sheltering in evacuation centers. The storm’s impact underscores the region’s vulnerability to severe weather events, with both Taiwan and the Philippines frequently facing typhoons annually.
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Control of precursor chemical exports tightened
China has implemented stricter regulations on the export of precursor chemicals to the United States, Mexico, and Canada, requiring special licenses for such transactions. The new rule, effective immediately, was jointly announced by the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the General Administration of Customs, and the National Medical Products Administration. This adjustment targets 13 specific precursor chemicals, which are essential in various industries but are often misused in the illegal production of narcotics. Exporters must now provide original documentation from the importing country’s authorities or a guarantee from the importer confirming the legal use of these chemicals. These documents will be reviewed by Chinese public security and commerce departments. The move follows similar measures introduced in April last year, which added 24 substances to the export control catalog for specific countries, including Myanmar, Laos, and Afghanistan. The Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission has also issued a notice urging exporters to comply with international conventions and local laws, particularly in high-risk destinations like the US, Canada, and Mexico. Enterprises are advised to establish robust internal management systems, verify overseas buyers, and avoid illegal inducements. China’s narcotics control authorities emphasize the regulation of precursor chemicals as a critical step in curbing the production of illegal substances both domestically and internationally. Additionally, China has deepened its anti-narcotics cooperation with the US, including the establishment of a joint working group and regular intelligence exchanges.
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Xi greets Ouattara on reelection as Cote d’Ivoire president
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on Monday to Alassane Ouattara, who was reelected as the President of Cote d’Ivoire. In his message, Xi highlighted the strong bilateral ties between China and Cote d’Ivoire, describing the two nations as ‘fellow travelers and good partners’ on the path to modernization. He noted that their relationship has seen robust development, with significant achievements in various fields of cooperation and a deepening bond between their peoples. Xi also pointed out the unprecedented global changes and the growing influence of the Global South, emphasizing his commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership with Cote d’Ivoire. He expressed his willingness to collaborate with Ouattara to enhance solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations. Ouattara, 83, secured his fourth term with an overwhelming 89.77 percent of the votes in last month’s presidential election, as confirmed by Cote d’Ivoire’s Constitutional Council. Ouattara has been a prominent political figure in the country, serving as Prime Minister from 1990 to 1993 and winning his first presidential election in 2010, followed by reelections in 2015 and 2020.
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Pakistan’s interior minister says a suicide bomber struck outside the Islamabad court, killing 12
A devastating suicide bombing occurred outside a district court in Islamabad on Tuesday, resulting in 12 fatalities and 27 injuries, according to Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The attacker detonated explosives near a police vehicle after failing to enter the court premises. The explosion, heard miles away, struck during peak hours when the area was bustling with visitors attending hearings. Initial reports from Pakistani state media and security officials suggested a car bomb was responsible, but investigators later confirmed it was a suicide bomber. No militant group has claimed responsibility yet, but Pakistan has been grappling with a resurgence of attacks by the Pakistani Taliban and other extremist factions. The casualties included passersby and individuals with court appointments. Authorities are investigating all aspects of the attack, with no immediate statements from Islamabad police. This incident follows a thwarted militant attempt to take cadets hostage at an army-run college in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province earlier on Tuesday. The Pakistani Taliban denied involvement in the college attack, which saw two militants killed and three cornered in an administrative block. Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant violence in recent years, including the 2014 Peshawar school massacre that claimed 154 lives. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also escalated, with recent cross-border clashes and failed peace talks in Istanbul.