Xinjiang's Baisha Lake offers breathtaking views in winter

Baisha Lake in Akto County, located in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, offers stunning views shaped by the interplay of ice and sand as temperatures drop in winter.

Viewed from the air, one side of the lake is covered with a layer of ice, its surface marked by interwoven cracks. On the other side, fine, silk-like white sand forms dunes that glow with a soft radiance, coming together to create a splendid spectacle.

The vast sand sea surrounding Baisha Lake was once part of a towering mountain. Over millions of years, wind forces gradually eroded the mountain into sand, which now combines with the azure lake waters to create a unique natural wonder.

Japanese citizens took to the streets of Tokyo's Shinjuku district on Saturday, voicing strong opposition to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration for lifting the ban on lethal weapons exports, advancing a "National Intelligence Agency" bill, and pushing for the revision of the country's postwar pacifist constitution.

On Tuesday, the Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, officially revised the "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" and their implementation guidelines.

The revisions scrap the restrictions that had limited arms exports to five non-combat categories, allow, in principle, the export of lethal weapons, permit transfers to nations engaged in active conflict under specified circumstances, and sideline parliament from the decision-making process, crossing a line that previous governments had at least nominally upheld.

"Allowing the export of lethal weapons and even attempting to possess nuclear arms, the Takaichi administration is leading Japan toward war, despite our postwar commitment of never starting a war again. Many people are worried. This must be stopped," said a protester.

The cornerstone of Japan's pacifist constitution is Article 9, which renounces the nation's right to engage in war or to resort to military force to resolve international conflicts. For decades, this article has been a fundamental constraint on Japan's military endeavors.

"I am firmly opposed to amending the Constitution. Takaichi claims 'the time has come,' but that's just her own decision. Without Article 9 of the Constitution, Japan could be swept into America's wars. That must not happen," said another participant.

"Japan once invaded other Asian countries and has maintained a pacifist constitution ever since. But now the government has arbitrarily decided to lift the ban on exporting lethal weapons without sufficient parliamentary debate. It's unacceptable," said another demonstrator.

"If we abandon our stance as a peaceful nation under the constitution, it would be absolutely intolerable. Thanks to Article 9, Japan hasn't waged war or been pulled into conflict. For Japan's place in the international community, Article 9 must not be changed," said another protester.