China's output of pig iron climbed to 70.26 million tonnes in October, up 1.4 percent year on year, while steel production grew by 3.5 percent from the previous year to 119.41 million tonnes, according to the latest data released by the China Iron and Steel Association.
Data showed that 35 out of the 41 primary industrial sectors reported a year-on-year growth in value-added output in October.
Industry insiders said that the proportion of industrial steel products, particularly medium and heavy-width steel strips, has been on a consistent rise since the start of this year, pointing out that the increase in steel strip production indicates an accelerated release of growth potential in China's manufacturing industry.
Statistics revealed that the value-added industrial output of industrial enterprises above designated size in the country expanded by 5.3 percent year on year in October. More specifically, the value-added output in equipment manufacturing rose by 6.6 percent year on year, and high-tech manufacturing sector experienced a year-on-year 9.4 percent increase.
China sees rising production of steel, pig iron in October
The organizing committee of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled the titles, creative visions, and first talents of the opening and closing ceremonies, as Thursday marked 50 days before the event officially gets underway.
Scheduled from March 6 to 15 across multiple Italian cities, the Games will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions to compete for 79 gold medals across six sporting disciplines.
The opening ceremony, titled "Life in Motion," will be staged at the historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a tribute to change and transformation that seeks to redefine disability through a new harmony between people and the environment.
"I paid close attention to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which I consider one of the three or four most beautiful in the history of Olympic ceremonies. This time at the ancient Arena di Verona, we will place greater emphasis on showcasing the human element," the ceremonies' artistic director Alfredo Accatino told a Chinese reporter at the event.
The closing ceremony, themed "Italian Souvenir," will be held on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, guiding athletes, volunteers, and fans through a journey that captures the emotions and memories of the Games after days of competition and achievement.
Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, believes that Italy will deliver "the best Paralympic Games" following the benchmark set by the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.
"I think what China did in Beijing has really set the benchmark for all future teams competing in the Paralympic Winter Games in terms of performance. That's why I think Milano-Cortina will be the best Paralympic Games we've ever seen for sports," he said.
Milano-Cortina Paralympics reveal opening, closing themes as Games draw near
