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The growth of ice and snow tourism has transformed how Chinese people perceive and experience winter, according to Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, who shared his views during the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

In the past, particularly in northeast China, where bitter winter temperatures are the norm, people tended to stay indoors during the cold months. However, a noticeable shift is occurring as more people now embrace outdoor activities during winter.

Many people are flocking to Harbin, the capital of China’s northernmost province of Heilongjiang, which is renowned for its abundant snowfall and stunning ice sculptures, to immerse themselves in the icy atmosphere.

Research by the tourism academy projects that over 500 million people will participate in ice and snow tourism during the peak season in 2024-2025, driving consumption by more than 600 billion yuan (about 83.7 billion U.S. dollars), said Dai.

The passion for ice and snow sports has also ignited, noted Ai Yu, an official with the General Administration of Sport of China. The scope of people participating in winter sports has extended beyond traditional northern regions; additionally, winter sports have now shifted from winter-only activities to year-round offerings that are accessible both indoors and outdoors, Ai highlighted.

Regions with rare snowfall are also capitalizing on the trend, as winter wonderlands created by artificial snow are popping up in southern China to meet growing demand, Dai added.

China aims to boost its ice and snow economy as a new growth sector, targeting an economic scale of 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030, according to guidelines issued by the General Office of the State Council in November 2024.

The annual Central Economic Work Conference, held in December last year, also called for active efforts to develop the country’s ice and snow economy.

Xinhua

Tourists are now more willing to pay for leisure and cultural activities related to ice and snow tourism, said Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, at the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

Dai said that various new business models are arising from the thriving industry. “Once tourists arrive at their destinations, they look for accommodation, dining options and interactions with locals. What attracts them most is often the unique folk customs and cultural heritage of the region.”

Harbin, China’s northernmost provincial capital, exemplifies the country’s thriving ice and snow economy. During the eight-day Spring Festival holiday that concluded on Tuesday, Harbin Ice-Snow World attracted over 610,000 visits. This ice theme park, featuring dazzling ice sculptures, saw more than 100,000 visits on Feb. 1, setting a new record for daily attendance compared to previous years.

In addition to Harbin, various new ice and snow tourism attractions have emerged across Heilongjiang Province. These include the snow-covered forests of Yichun, one of China’s most forested cities, winter birdwatching in Qiqihar, where native red-crowned cranes can be spotted, and aurora viewing in Mohe, near the China-Russia border, according to Qi Bin, deputy director of the Heilongjiang provincial department of culture and tourism.

Peng Fuwei, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, China’s top economic planner, said that China has established a dual manufacturing-service model to develop its ice and snow economy. According to Peng, the country can now produce 15 kinds of ice and snow sports equipment, ranging from snowboards to snow-making machines.

In ice and snow services, Peng said multiple sectors flourish simultaneously, including competitions and performances, catering and accommodation, winter sports training, and leisure tourism.

Looking ahead, Peng said that the central budget will continue to support the construction of public service facilities for eligible ice and snow sports and tourism. Also, qualifying ice and snow tourism equipment will receive support through ultra-long special treasury bonds for equipment upgrades.

According to China’s national blueprint for the ice and snow economy, the industry is expected to play a greater role in expanding employment and promoting high-quality development by 2030. Ice and snow consumption will be a key growth driver for domestic demand.

By then, several high-quality destinations for ice sports and tourism will be established, and the total scale of the ice and snow economy is projected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan (about 209.2 billion U.S. dollars), the document says.

China is actively tapping into its ice and snow resources to create new growth drivers for the world’s second-largest economy

Xinhua

During the eight-day-long Spring Festival holiday that ended Tuesday, over 610,000 trips were made to the park. Daily trips on Saturday exceeded 100,000, setting a new record for single-day attendance. Since opening its doors this season, the park has received over 2.66 million visits.

The ice and snow tourism fervor is not limited to Harbin, but palpable nationwide. With its ambitious plans and growing public enthusiasm, China’s winter economy is poised to become a cornerstone of its cultural and economic landscape, experts noted in the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

Embrace the winter

The increasing popularity of Harbin Ice-Snow World is partly attributed to the city’s upcoming role as the host of the 2025 Asian Winter Games, marking China’s second major winter sports event following the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Ai Yu, a senior official of the General Administration of Sport of China, noted that the success of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics has reshaped China’s relationship with winter sports, and transformed the landscape of ice and snow activities across the country.

Public enthusiasm for winter sports has surged, extending far beyond traditional hubs such as Heilongjiang. The trend is now moving southward, westward, and eastward, with activities no longer limited to winter but available year-round, both indoors and outdoors, Ai said.

Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, highlighted the role of technology and investment in promoting winter sports, with artificial snow and ice facilities making winter sports accessible even in the warmest regions.

A survey from the academy showed more than 70 percent of the respondents are willing to engage in winter leisure activities, with over 60 percent planning to maintain or increase their spending on winter tourism. The 2024-2025 winter season is expected to attract some 520 million trips, generating over 630 billion yuan (about 87.87 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue.

Winter has evolved from a season of dormancy to one of vibrant activities, Dai noted. “In the past, winter meant freezing temperatures and a pause in daily life. Now, people embrace the cold and explore northern regions.”

More than just fun

China’s winter economy is not just about sports and tourism; it’s also driving significant growth in manufacturing and services, experts said.

Peng Fuwei, a senior official of the National Development and Reform Commission, noted that the industry has formed a “dual-engine” structure, with winter manufacturing and services leading the way.

“China now produces a comprehensive range of winter sports equipment, from personal gear to high-end snowmaking machines and snow groomers. In 2023, winter equipment sales reached about 22 billion yuan,” he said.

Related service sectors are also thriving, with winter sports fueling growth in areas like event hosting, catering, accommodation, and training.

Heilongjiang, for example, has developed cutting-edge technologies like multi-robot ice sculpting and has established itself as a hub for testing and refining automobiles under extreme cold conditions. “Thanks to robotics, our ice sculptures are built faster and more efficiently,” said Qi Bin, deputy director of Heilongjiang’s culture and tourism department.

New cultural experiences, such as snowfield hot springs and concerts, are also emerging, further enriching the winter tourism ecosystem, Dai observed.

To make the snowball bigger

Seeking to leverage its vast ice and snow resources to drive economic growth, China is doubling down on its commitment to expanding its winter economy, which encompasses sports, culture, equipment, and tourism.

The sector has already reached a trillion-yuan scale, and the country aims to grow it to 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030, according to an official guideline released in 2024.

To achieve these goals, the government is integrating winter sports and tourism into its national development plans.

“We will continue to support the industry through policies, funding, and infrastructure development,” Peng said, adding that key regions in places including Heilongjiang and Xinjiang will receive targeted support to become world-class winter sports destinations.

There are also plans to sustain the momentum of winter sports participation, expand their reach, and integrate sports events with tourism, according to Ai.

To further tap the industry’s potential, Dai called for extending the winter industry’s value chain. This includes combining winter equipment with personal gear and creating new travel routes, all in a bid to build a robust ecosystem for the winter economy.

Ultimately, the goal is to make winter sports and tourism an integral part of people’s lives, Dai added. “When people fall in love with winter activities, the foundation for a thriving winter economy will be firmly established.”

Located in China’s northernmost province of Heilongjiang, Harbin Ice-Snow World, a breathtaking ice-themed park known for its dazzling ice sculptures, is now one of China’s hottest tourist destinations.

Xinhua

Powerful gangs, armed with weapons largely trafficked from the United States, have united in the Caribbean country’s capital Port-au-Prince under a common alliance and now control most of the city and are expanding to nearby areas.

The international security mission, while approved by the UN Security Council, is not a United Nations operation and currently relies on voluntary contributions. The mission has so far made little progress toward helping Haiti restore order.

There are around nearly 900 police and troops from Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala and Belize. As at the end of 2024. US$110.3 million had been pledged by several countries, including the USA, Canada, France, Turkey, Spain, Italy, and Algeria.

$85 million had been received by the Trust Fund, including substantial amounts from the United States.
“The US had committed $15 million to the trust fund, $1.7 million of that had already been spent, so $13.3 million is now frozen,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters. “We received an official notification from the U.S. asking for an immediate stop work order on their contribution.”

Just hours after taking office on January 20, Trump ordered a 90-day pause so foreign aid contributions could be reviewed to see if they align with his “America First” foreign policy.

Trump has said that he thinks he will wind down the US Agency for International Development, in what would be a dramatic overhaul of how the world’s largest single donor allocates foreign assistance.

Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaura has dismissed claims that the US funding freeze for the Haiti Multi-National Security Support mission (MSS) will jeopardize the operations as false and lack any factual basis.

The MSS mission is supported by the UN Trust Fund for Haiti, established under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699 in October 2023.

'While a portion of the undisbursed US contribution amounting to $15 million has been temporarily held due to the US presidential directive, the Fund remains well-resourced to support the mission until the end of September 2025,' Mwaura said in a statement.

According to him, Kenya and its partners remain fully committed to ensuring the mission transitions to a full UN-led operation to guarantee its long-term financial sustainability and security mandate.

US funding to support a peace mission in Haiti has been frozen under President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on foreign aid.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, fell into M23’s hands on January 26, 2025, forcing government forces, its allied militias and some foreign mercenaries to flee.

Upon occupying Goma, M23 fighters found abandoned FARDC military equipment scattered across the streets, including armored vehicles and firearms. Some civilians had fled the city, while others remained indoors, waiting for the situation to unfold.

Witnessing the aftermath of battle was unbearable as the streets were littered with FARDC military vehicles still containing the bodies of fallen soldiers, many of whom had been killed at their posts while those who survived managed to escape.

According to UN estimates, around 3,000 people were killed in the battle for Goma, with 2,500 of them being FARDC soldiers, Wazalendo fighters, and their allies. FARDC soldiers who fled to Rwanda told IGIHE that they had no choice but to cross the border after realizing they were completely surrounded by M23.

'The troops defending Goma were stationed at the airport, but the battle tactics were unclear. How were we supposed to defend the airport when the enemy had already surrounded the entire city and started firing? asked one of the soldiers

'There was no way we could secure a position that was already encircled. As soon as the shooting intensified, we suffered heavy casualties. When I realized we were being gunned down, I knew things had gone terribly wrong,' he added.

As the gunfire subsided in Goma, displaced civilians began returning home, and daily life slowly resumed. In other areas now under M23 control, those previously sheltered in internal displacement camps also started going back to their villages.

For instance, the Kanyarucinya camp has been closed as all its inhabitants returned to their homes in Nyiragongo territory. Reports indicate that M23 facilitated the repatriation of civilians from the Mugunga camp back to Masisi.

Analysts suggest that the UN, which has deployed MONUSCO troops in eastern DRC since 1999, has contributed to regional instability. They argue that the UN is now distorting facts on the ground to justify its continued presence in the country.

Meanwhile, many UN staff members have fled eastern DRC, crossing into Rwanda through the Rubavu border en route to Kinshasa and other locations.

Abandoned FARDC military equipment was found scattered across the streets.

Some members of the government forces and its allied militias were forced to flee.

IGIHE

The executive order also stops funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and requires the U.S. State Department to reevaluate the UN Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Trump made his announcement on the same day he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose country has consistently criticized both the human rights body and UNRWA for alleged bias against Israel.

During Trump’s first term, the United States withdrew from the UNHRC in June 2018. In February 2021, then Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the Joe Biden administration would reengage with the council as an observer.

Since 1950, UNRWA has been assisting Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights. Council

Xinhua

As the world enters a very turbulent period and the number of conflicts worldwide hits a new high since the Cold War, there is an increasing call in the international community, among the Global South in particular, for reforming and improving the global governance system, he said.

“At the Security Council, solidarity and cooperation are replaced by division and confrontation. Very often, the Council has been unable to do anything in the face of major security crises. This situation cannot continue,” Fu told a press briefing on the program of work of the Security Council for the month.

Under its initiative, China will chair a Security Council high-level open debate, scheduled for Feb. 18, on the theme of “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance.”

“As we mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations this year, the debate aims to encourage countries to revisit the original aspirations of the UN, reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and the important role of the United Nations, including the Security Council, and to explore ways to reform and improve the global governance,” the envoy said.

Regarding global and regional issues, Fu said that the 15-member body will continue to focus on the Middle East and strive to find lasting political solutions.

“It is necessary for the Security Council to pay close attention to the ceasefire in Gaza and take timely actions to ensure that the relevant agreement is fully and effectively implemented and that humanitarian access remains open and unhindered,” he told reporters. “China will urge the Council to closely follow the challenges confronting UNRWA (UN relief agency for Palestinians).”

In the meantime, the political and security situation in some parts of Africa is extremely volatile. There are huge challenges in terms of peacekeeping and peace-building, as well as humanitarian assistance, Fu said.

“The Security Council and the wider international community must maintain and increase their attention and support for Africa,” he said. “As the president, China will work with other Council members to promote dialogue and consultation and seek political solutions to African issues.”

The Security Council is composed of five permanent members — China, the United States, Britain, France, and Russia — and 10 non-permanent members. The presidency of the council rotates among its 15 member states based on the English-language alphabetical order of the countries’ names on a monthly basis.

China last held the rotating Security Council presidency in November 2023.

Fu Cong (2nd R, rear), China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, briefs reporters on the program of work of the Security Council for the month at the UN headquarters in New York, Feb. 3, 2025. While assuming the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for February, China will work on the priorities of reaffirming member states’ commitment to multilateralism and enhancing global governance, the Chinese envoy said Monday. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

Xinhua

As a leading digital transformation initiative, Irembo facilitates streamlined access to essential government services through its IremboGov platform. The platform currently provides Rwandan diaspora members with convenient access to more than 240 government services. Through personalized accounts, users can make applications securely and independently from any global location. No more third-party reliance, no more bureaucratic headaches—just a seamless, digital-first experience that keeps you connected to your homeland.

Bridging the Distance: A Digital Solution for Every Rwandan

Rwandans abroad face unique challenges when accessing government services. Time zone differences, slow processing, and reliance on others often make simple tasks unnecessarily complicated. IremboGov eliminates these barriers, ensuring that every Rwandan, whether in New York, Paris, or Nairobi, can manage their government services effortlessly.

Why the Diaspora Loves IremboGov

• Access anytime, anywhere — Whether it’s midnight in Canada or early morning in Kigali, IremboGov is available 24/7.
• No intermediaries — Apply directly, with full autonomy over your documents and requests.
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• Secure & user-friendly — Our streamlined interface and secure account system provide you with a safe and intuitive experience.

From renewing passports to requesting national IDs, IremboGov puts the power in your hands where it belongs.

A Game-Changer: Access Over 240 Government Services

Getting started is easy:

1. Visit: Head to irembo.gov.rw
2. Register: Sign up as a citizen living in the diaspora for a secure account in minutes using your:
– Consular card number, applied through the Rwanda Community Abroad website.
– Rwandan national ID number.
3. Explore: Browse and apply for different services tailored for all IremboGov users, with even more coming in 2025.

Irembo currently provides Rwandan diaspora members with convenient access to more than 240 government services.

In a significant move towards inclusivity, we have extended vital identification services to the Rwandan diaspora together with the Rwanda National Identification Agency (NIDA).

Through this collaboration, citizens living abroad can now access essential services, including:

• Application for a National ID for diaspora applicants without an NPR number.
• ID correction for diaspora.
• ID replacement for diaspora.

This initiative bridges a crucial gap, ensuring that Rwandans worldwide maintain their connection to home through proper identification—whether applying for their first ID, replacing a lost ID, or correcting information on an existing ID.

By digitizing these services, we have eliminated all barriers, allowing our global citizens to manage their identification needs efficiently and securely online. These services and many more strengthen national connections by helping the diaspora maintain official ties to their homeland.

Real Stories: The IremboGov Impact

A Rwandan living in Belgium recently needed to replace his National ID. Initially worried that he would need to wait for his summer holidays back home, he instead logged into his IremboGov account. Within minutes, he submitted his application and received live updates throughout the process. Thirty days later, his National ID was ready for pickup at the Rwandan embassy—fast and transparent.

By digitizing services, Irembo has eliminated all barriers, allowing global citizens to manage their identification needs efficiently and securely online.

Help is Always on the Way

For those who need support, Irembo offers dedicated multilingual assistance:

• Email:[email protected]
• WhatsApp: +250 792 222 220
• Call Center: +250 788 124 700

No matter where you are, help is only a call or message away.

The writer, Danny Bayisabe, is the Go to Market Lead at Irembo.

Danny Bayisabe

During the interview, the Rwandan President strongly rejected claims that Rwanda was fueling the conflict in the mineral-rich region by supporting the M23 rebel group, which recently captured the city of Goma. He reiterated that the M23 rebels are not Rwandans but Congolese nationals fighting for their rights.

The President dismissed claims that Rwanda exploits minerals from the DRC, an allegation frequently made by Congolese authorities and echoed in some international reports. He denied the claims and stated that South Africa and European countries are the primary beneficiaries of DRC’s vast mineral resources.

Regarding the presence of Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops in the DRC, President Kagame dismissed suggestions that their mission was primarily focused on peacekeeping. He accused South Africa of deploying troops to secure the region’s mineral wealth rather than fostering peace.

In response to the edited excerpts aired by CNN, the President’s Press Secretary, Stephanie Nyombayire, pointed out that several crucial elements of the interview had been omitted to fit a “predictable editorial line.”

She detailed that during the interview, President Kagame spoke about the threat posed by FDLR, a group associated with rebel forces in the region and composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. He stated that the group is supported by governments in the area, despite posing a security threat to Rwanda.

He maintained that Rwanda would do everything to protect itself against such security threats.

“Their goal is not just to fight M23, but to fight Rwanda and overthrow its government, as they have publicly declared. Does anyone think Rwanda will simply sit back and allow that to happen? We will defend ourselves in any form necessary. There is no doubt about it,” he stated.

On the principle of national sovereignty, the President emphasized, “I believe in the respect of sovereignty for all countries, including Rwanda. There is no sovereignty more important than another. This is the basic principle.”

Reflecting on the broader international community’s role, he noted, “The very same international community blaming Rwanda is the one that has allowed the FDLR to operate in Congo for 30 years. After decades and nearly $40 billion spent, what stability has been achieved? Blaming Rwanda is simply a way to cover up the mess the international community has caused in our region.”

The President also criticized how others were framing the insecurity issue, saying, “The problem is simple to understand, but people complicate it to avoid taking action. Even the most uninformed person could grasp the situation after 30 years.”

According to President Kagame, the conflict in the eastern DRC has been exacerbated by external forces working with President Felix Tshisekedi.

“I don’t believe anyone, including President Tshisekedi, wants war. However, he has been encouraged by others to fight wars on his behalf. If those external forces weren’t involved, perhaps he would see reason and prioritize peace,” he added.

“I am focused on protecting my country and managing national affairs to ensure peace. Meanwhile, Tshisekedi is obsessed with humiliation and his own ego. You cannot run a country or resolve regional issues based solely on ego.”

Finally, he emphasized the importance of Rwanda’s self-reliance: “For Rwanda, our priority is clear: we must protect ourselves. We know from history, particularly from 1994, that no one will come to our aid. That’s why we have invested heavily in our security and defence, and the results speak for themselves.”

President Kagame said that the conflict in the eastern DRC has been exacerbated by external forces working with President Felix Tshisekedi.

IGIHE