This year's first tourist train linking Beijing with Lhasa, the capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, departed from the Beijing West Railway Station on Friday noon, taking more than 450 passengers on a 14-day round trip across the country.
More than 80 percent of the passengers on board Train T175 are senior tourists who have been driving a thriving silver tourism in China in recent years.
A senior woman said she looks forward to visiting the Potala Palace in Lhasa, a UNESCO World Heritage site symbolizing Tibetan Buddhism, which, together with many other popular tourist attractions in Xizang such as Norbulingka, the world's highest, largest, and best-preserved ancient artificial horticultural garden, draws millions of visitors from around the world every year.
"The place I particularly want to see is of course the Potala Palace, because I have longed to visit it since I was a child," she said before boarding the train.
The tourist train, equipped with elderly care devices and carrying a dedicated team of medical professionals, will pass through diverse landscapes on its route.
"Because there are many elderly passengers on board, we have also made full preparations in terms of medical services. The broadcasting cabin is equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and we are traveling with very experienced rescuers from the Red Cross Society of China. This is to ensure that we can deal with any sudden health condition during the journey," said Liu Jie, a train staff member.
Seniors ride 2025's first tourist train from Beijing to Xizang
The European Union（EU）and France have reaffirmed their support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland as concerns are growing over security in the Arctic following the recent statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the strategically important island.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that "Greenland belongs to its people, so it's up to Denmark and Greenland, and only to them, to decide on matters that are concerning Denmark and Greenland."
Noting that the EU is in contact with the Danish government, Von der Leyen stressed that security in the Arctic region is a key issue of concern to the EU.
Also on Wednesday, the European Parliament's political group leaders issued a statement, condemning the remarks made by the Trump administration regarding Greenland and terming them as a "blatant" challenge to international law and to the sovereignty of NATO member Denmark.
They urged the EU institutions to define "concrete and tangible" support for Denmark and Greenland, and stressed that decisions concerning Greenland belong to Denmark and Greenland alone.
"External attempts to alter the status quo are unacceptable," the leaders said.
In a related development, a group of 23 lawmakers sent a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday, emphasizing that if the United States continues to threaten Denmark's autonomous territory, the European Parliament should suspend debates and votes on trade agreements with the United States.
Currently, the European Parliament is deliberating on removing most U.S. import tariffs and maintaining zero-tariff policies on U.S. lobster, with a vote scheduled for January 26 and 27.
Meanwhile, French government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon, citing President Emmanuel Macron, warned on Wednesday that any infringement on Danish sovereignty over Greenland would trigger "unprecedented" consequences.
"If the sovereignty of a European ally were affected, the cascading consequences would be unprecedented," said Bregeon.
"we are closely monitoring the situation and will stand firmly with Denmark to defend its sovereignty," the spokeswoman said.
On the same day, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu noted the need for serious consideration of recent U.S. signals concerning Greenland.
Lecornu reaffirmed France's "full solidarity with Denmark and the legitimate authorities of Greenland," adding that safeguarding the sovereignty of other countries is an important foundation for safeguarding one's own sovereignty.
Furthermore, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday that France will open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, calling the move a "political signal" over the strategic Danish territory.
The foreign minister said that the U.S. plan of buying Greenland is "absurd" and that this "blackmail" should stop.
He reiterated that France and Europe will continue to support Denmark.
Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, while Denmark retains authority over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island.
Since his first term, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland. Both Greenland and Denmark have made clear that the island is not for sale. The White House said last week that Trump will not rule out the use of force.
EU, France reaffirm support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland
