The first batch of 200-kilogram fresh coconuts imported from Indonesia arrived in Fuzhou, the capital city of east China's Fujian Province, on Saturday.
The arrival of the imported coconuts is the latest highlight of the deepening economic and trade cooperation between China and Indonesia this year, which marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In November 2024, the General Administration of Customs announced that it would allow imports of fresh coconuts from Indonesia that meet relevant requirements.
"This batch of coconuts comes from Sumatra Island in Indonesia, where the volcanic soil and rainforest ecosystem produce sweet, abundant coconut water ideal for direct consumption. The coconuts will be released to the market promptly after passing inspection," said Lin Zhengrong, business manager of a food company covering coconut processing in Fujian.
In recent years, China's coconut imports have shown an upward trend, and its import markets are becoming increasingly diversified, now including Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. China's huge market demand provides broad export space for coconuts from Indonesia, which is one of the world's largest coconut producers.
"China's vast market demand has created significant export opportunities for Indonesian coconuts, not only boosting Indonesia's coconut industry but also driving the growth of related sectors in China, including coconut processing and logistics. Currently, four production lines at the China-Indonesia Coconut Industrial Park in Fuzhou are already in operation," said Song Jing, deputy director of Rongcheng Customs Office in Fuqing.
According to customs statistics, the volume of bilateral trade between China and Indonesia exceeded 1 trillion yuan (about 138.72 billion U.S. dollars) for the first time in 2024. In January and February 2025, the volume totaled 172.57 billion yuan, up 4.7 percent year on year.
China imports first batch of fresh coconuts from Indonesia
Some Iranians in Türkiye are crossing back over the border, driven by worry and desperation, as a nationwide communications blackout in Iran has left them cut off from their loved ones.
Protests have erupted in many Iranian cities since Dec. 28. They initially began with Tehran bazaar merchants demonstrating against the sharp devaluation of the national currency rial, and soaring inflation, before spreading to other cities. The unrest has led to casualties among both security forces and civilians.
At the Turkish-Iranian border, many are returning with no certainty about what awaits them, filled instead with questions and growing fear for those on the other side of the border.
"I went to Van yesterday for internet. I urgently needed to use the internet. I got it done. Now I'm heading straight back. There are protests everywhere. We can't get any news. We can't communicate with our families. And it's not just me, there are many Iranians outside the country who can't reach their families," said Feriste, an Iranian citizen.
With communications blacked out across Iran, those outside the country feel powerless to check on the situation back home. For some, this silence has prompted them to return across the border, even as tensions continue to rise.
"We can't get any news. There is no internet. Everything is shut down. I want to search. I want to find out. I want to see my brother. I'm going to see my family," said Husnu, an Iranian citizen.
"I work in Türkiye, and I have no news from Iran at all. I'm going back because I'm worried about my family. It's been days since I last heard from them, and because I'm worried, I'm returning to Iran now. Of course, we are concerned about our safety. We don't know what awaits us there," said another Iranian.
With protests escalating and government blackouts still in place, many Iranians are caught between staying in safety abroad and risking everything to reconnect with their families.
"We had to come to Türkiye because we couldn't reach our families. Schools were closed already. All official institutions were shut down. We have no information about other cities either, because there is no communication network there. There is no television, no internet. We can't even check Twitter," said Nazlican, another Iranian citizen.
Iranians in Türkiye return home, fearing for their families amid unrest in Iran
Iranians in Türkiye return home, fearing for their families amid unrest in Iran
