Wax figure of China's star actor Zhang Songwen unveiled in Beijing

The wax figure of China's star actor Zhang Songwen was unveiled in a ceremony at Madame Tussauds Beijing on Thursday, during which the iconic male star expressed thanks to fans in a unique way and shared expectations on his acting career.

During the event, Zhang said he was surprised to see so many fans who support him and would love to thank their support in a special way.

"When I got off the vehicle, I didn't expect there are so many netizens and fans coming far and wide to welcome me. I am hosting a variety show about how I plant vegetation. If you don't mind, I'd like to find a vehicle to take all the flowers you gave me today. First, I don't want to leave a pile of garbage. Second, usually when someone gives me flowers, I will put them in a vase for about three or four days, keeping them fresh to avoid waste. This is why I want to bring your flowers to my garden and let them show up in the variety show," he said.

Zhang, the star of two popular Chinese crime thriller TV series "The Bad Kids" and "The Knockout", said he looked forward to portraying more and more different characters throughout his career.

"I have played many characters during my career. I don't like to repeat the similar characters. I think playing dozens of different characters in my limited life is the originality of my mind as an actor," he said.

Wax figure of China's star actor Zhang Songwen unveiled in Beijing

The European Union is facing the risk of a stagflationary shock as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is driving up energy prices and clouding the economic outlook, European Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis said on Monday.

The European Commission's spring 2026 economic forecast, to be released later this week, will see economic growth figures adjusted down and inflation figures up, said Dombrovskis during an interview while attending a meeting of finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) in Paris.

With the Strait of Hormuz closed and oil prices staying above 100 U.S. dollars per barrel, fears of stagflation have risen in recent weeks, said Dombrovskis, adding that the margin of action by policymakers is "more limited" now.

The commissioner said it's important that the bloc take temporary, targeted support measures rather than measures that sustain high demand for fossil fuels.

Dombrovskis also described the EU's release of strategic oil reserves as "ongoing," while warning of concerns about shortages in areas such as innovative fuels.

The International Energy Agency Executive Director, Fatih Birol, said on Monday that commercial oil stocks are declining "rapidly", with several weeks of supply left due to the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East.

Europe could face fuel shortages by the end of this month.

EU at risk of stagflation amid Middle East conflict: commissioner