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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

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

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Danny Bayisabe

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

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

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

Among the bodies are soldiers who died fighting M23 in its battle to capture the city, as well as others who lost their lives in combat around Sake.

South African opposition politician Julius Malema revealed that a soldier stationed in Goma reported how his fallen comrades’ bodies had begun to rot.

“We were informed that the bodies are decomposing. There is no way to retrieve them. The South African military base near Goma’s airport has been taken over. Our soldiers are in M23’s hands. When they need to use the restroom, they have to ask M23 for permission, and they are escorted there. This was reported by a soldier on the ground,” Malema stated.

He accused the South African government of hiding the truth about the situation, claiming they have chosen to mislead the public about the real reasons behind the troops’ deployment to the DRC.

South Africa has announced that the bodies of the fallen soldiers will be repatriated on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. However, concerns remain over how this will be executed, given that air and sea routes have been blocked. The only viable option is to transport the bodies through Rwanda.

Reports indicate that Rwanda had granted South Africa permission to use its territory for repatriation, but South Africa allegedly refused the offer.

South African opposition politician Julius Malema revealed that a soldier stationed in Goma reported how his fallen comrades’ bodies had begun to rot.

IGIHE

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said only designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs will be exempt. Essential staff expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00 pm.

USAID also announced that it is also preparing a plan to bring home personnel currently posted outside the United States within 30 days, in coordination with the State Department and overseas missions.

The agency will cover the cost of return travel and will terminate Personal Services Contract (PSC), and Independent Services Contract (ISC) deemed non-essential. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for individuals facing personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other significant issues.

“For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming,” USAID said.

The move is the latest in a series of actions reflecting the Trump administration’s tough stance on foreign aid.

Since regaining office, President Trump has pursued efforts to curtail U.S. assistance programs, arguing that such initiatives are wasteful and should be significantly reduced or eliminated. Internal discussions about bringing USAID under the direct control of the State Department have sparked fears that the agency could be dismantled altogether.

Democratic lawmakers have expressed alarm at the administration’s handling of USAID, warning that its restructuring would require congressional approval.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Brian Schatz, along with Representatives Gregory Meeks and Lois Frankel, issued a statement stressing that USAID’s independence is protected by law, while Senator Chris Murphy affirmed that 'a president cannot eliminate an appropriated federal agency by executive order.'

Adding to the uncertainty, billionaire Elon Musk has publicly attacked USAID following a reported clash between the agency’s security personnel and Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk leads.

On Sunday, Musk labeled USAID a 'criminal organization' and called for its dissolution. His post on X (formerly Twitter), stating 'Time for it to die,' has raised fears that the administration is committed to dismantling the agency.

USAID’s website also temporarily went offline over the weekend, and a bare-bones page appeared under the State Department’s domain, suggesting possible consolidation efforts. Senator Chris Coons responded by accusing Trump of attempting to 'gut the agency altogether.'

As the largest provider of foreign assistance, the U.S. distributed $72 billion to nearly 180 countries last year—more than half through USAID. The agency’s projects in Africa, in particular, are at risk as funding freezes and personnel cuts threaten ongoing programs in health, education, economic development, and governance.

USAID has played a critical role in Rwanda since 1964, supporting initiatives that enhance economic capacity, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental resilience. The loss of U.S. assistance could leave a significant void, potentially opening the door for rival powers such as China to expand their influence in the region.

USAID said only designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs will be exempt.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

For the first time in years, residents of Goma are sleeping peacefully, moving freely at night, and resuming daily activities as usual without fear.

Anastasie, a mother who has lived in Goma for over four years, shared her surprise at the newfound sense of security. 'I never imagined M23 fighters were good people, that they serve God. In all my years in Goma’s refugee camps, this is the first time I have spent a night without fear,' she told IGIHE.

Over the weekend, IGIHE toured various parts of the city, from the La Corniche border with Rwanda to Bilele, the Governor’s Office, and Quartiers Les Volcans. While remnants of war were still visible, businesses had largely resumed.

One of the key battlegrounds was Mont Goma, where government troops made their last stand. On Tuesday, FARDC and Wazalendo militia held onto Camp Katindo, a major military base in the city center. By the weekend, however, M23 had taken full control.

At the entrance to the camp, as in most of Goma, M23 forces were stationed, ensuring security. Burned-out military trucks and abandoned ammunition provided evidence of the fierce battles that had taken place.
Stade de l’Unité, one of the city’s largest stadiums, also saw combat. While bullet holes marked the walls, there were few other visible signs of the battle.

M23 fighters are now present throughout the city, including on the road to Goma International Airport. In Bilele, they walked freely through the market, greeted by residents who waved at them, a stark contrast to the fear that once gripped the population.

At UN peacekeeping bases hosting troops from Uruguay and Senegal, operations continued as usual.
Sources indicate that at least 2,100 Congolese soldiers sought refuge with MONUSCO as the fighting escalated. Their fate remains uncertain, whether they will surrender to M23, flee, or attempt to regroup.

Close to the airport, Red Cross workers were seen assessing the area trying to locate any dead bodies, as the site had witnessed heavy clashes between M23 and government forces.

Goma International Airport is currently non-operational, with M23 fully in control. Civilians passing by engaged in casual conversations with the rebels, showing no signs of fear or resistance.

Goma, a city of two million people spread across 75.72 square kilometers, is slowly returning to normal. The local economy, reliant on small-scale trade, fishing, and mineral extraction, is resuming operations under the new administration.

M23 leaders have declared that their advance will not stop in Goma. They have vowed to continue their push toward Kinshasa, aiming to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi’s government, which they accuse of oppressing civilians, particularly Congolese Tutsis, many of whom have been forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda.

However, a few days ago, operating under the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), the M23 rebel group announced a unilateral ceasefire citing humanitarian concerns amid the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.

The local economy, reliant on small-scale trade is booming again.

Public transport is also going on as usual.

Business is back to normal in Goma

Street forex services are also available once again.

The boarder post is well guarded.

IGIHE