Baotou-Yinchuan High-Speed Rail Begins Full Operation
The 519-km Baotou-Yinchuan high-speed railway, designed for 250 km/h, began full operation on December 23, 2025, halving travel times and boosting development across the Yellow River basin.
2025
Near-Universal Coverage: Chinese Mainland’s Health Insurance at 95%
Basic medical insurance in the Chinese mainland now covers 1.33 billion people, maintaining around 95 percent coverage through 2024 under the 14th Five-Year Plan.
Jackie Chan Carries 2026 Olympic Torch Through Pompeii Ruins
Chinese actor Jackie Chan carried the Olympic torch through Pompeii’s ancient ruins on December 22 as the relay heads 12,000 km across Italy to the February 6, 2026 opening ceremony.
FCC Bans New Drones from Chinese Mainland, U.S. Market Faces Shake-Up
On December 23, 2025, the FCC moved to ban new foreign-made drones, blocking models from the Chinese mainland. Industries warn of supply disruptions and call for U.S. drone alternatives.
Chinese Mainland Tourists Light Up Budapest’s Christmas Markets
This December, Budapest welcomes a surge of travelers from the Chinese mainland, making its Christmas markets and thermal baths hotspots and boosting one of the year’s strongest tourism months.
Slovak PM Roller-Skates Through 7.5km Visnove Tunnel Opening
Slovak PM Robert Fico celebrated the end of a 30-year saga by roller-skating 7.5km through the new Visnove tunnel, finalizing a key link on the D1 highway.
Libya’s Army Chief Killed in Plane Crash Near Ankara
Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Haddad and four others died when their Falcon 50 jet crashed near Ankara on December 23, 2025. Turkish and Libyan officials have launched investigations.
China urges resumption of Iran nuclear talks at UN
Chinese envoy Sun Lei urges urgent resumption of Iran nuclear talks at the UN to uphold non-proliferation and regional stability.
High-Tech Farming Blossoms in Rizhao, Shandong with Holiday Flowers
In Rizhao, Shandong Province, a high-tech farming company uses IoT, AI and vertical greenhouses to grow holiday blooms, boost farmers’ incomes and expand sustainable agriculture.
Blooming Oil Tea Camellias Power Rural Revitalization in Hainan
Oil tea camellias are in full bloom across Tunchang County, Hainan Province, powering rural revitalization through over 1,000 hectares of specialty agriculture and boosting farmer incomes.