First high-speed train allows pets to travel with owners

High-speed railway passengers in China can now travel with their pets starting Thursday, thanks to a pilot program launched by the country's railway operator.

The program, launched by China Railway Express on Tuesday, allows passengers and their furry companions to travel together on select high-speed trains along the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, creating a record for the country's rail system.

The first train allowing the pet-friendly service departed from Beijing South Railway Station at 09:24 on Thursday.

The pilot service is being tested on 10 train services running between five major stations, namely, Beijing South, Jinan West, Nanjing South, Shanghai Hongqiao, and Hangzhou East. Travelers can make reservations through the 12306 system, the railway ticket and service booking network, at least two days in advance.

The pet must be a domesticated cat or dog in good health, weighing no more than 15 kilograms and no taller than 40 centimeters at the shoulder. A valid animal health certificate is required for the owner to access the service.

The pet owner needs to book a spot for their cat or dog in a specially designed pet transport container equipped with sensors monitoring air circulation, oxygen, humidity, noise and odor.

Once on board, the animal is kept separately in a designated compartment, away from passenger seating areas.

"During the journey, our staff keep an eye on the animal through the monitoring system in the special pet container and conduct an inspection every two hours. We provide water to the pet as needed, but feeding is not permitted mid-journey," said Zhang Lei, a China Railway Express staff member, in an interview with China Central Television.

The service follows a "same departure, same arrival" policy, ensuring that pets and their owners depart and arrive at their destinations simultaneously.

Passengers are advised to arrive at the station a few hours before departure to complete the necessary check-in procedures. Pets can be collected within one hour after arrival, with pickup notifications sent via text message or phone call.

According to China Railway Express, the service is part of broader efforts to modernize the country's transportation infrastructure and meet the growing demand for pet-friendly travel options.

First high-speed train allows pets to travel with owners

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."

Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.

Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.

"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.

The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.

Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM