China's consumer protection authorities handled 1.76 million complaints and recovered 1.28 billion yuan (about 178 million U.S. dollars) for consumers in 2024, according to an annual report released by the China Consumers Association on Friday.
The China Consumer Rights Protection Status Report (2024) highlights the major achievements in consumer rights protection, including the implementation of new Consumer Rights Protection Law that has strengthened legal safeguards.
Authorities conducted rigorous quality supervision, recalling 10.89 million defective vehicles and 4.29 million faulty consumer products while carrying out 6.41 million product inspections.
Among notable enforcement actions were the seizure of 660,000 bottles of counterfeit premium liquor and the shutdown of 219 illegal production sites. The "Iron Fist" campaign targeting consumer fraud addressed 314,600 cases.
For 2025, the report outlines priorities to enhance judicial protections, carry out more rigorous crackdowns on false advertising and substandard manufacturing, and improve safeguards against emerging risks in digital consumption.
China's consumer protection authorities recover 1.28 billion yuan for consumers in 2024
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Saturday that nuclear power plant sites or nearby areas must never be attacked, following a fourth strike near an Iranian nuclear power plant.
The IAEA said on social platform X that, according to the information from Iran, a projectile hit the nearby area of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on Saturday morning. This was the fourth such incident in recent weeks, it said.
One staff member at the site was killed by a projectile fragment, while a building on the site was affected by shockwaves and fragments, the IAEA said, citing the Iranian authorities. There was no increase in radiation levels reported, it added.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed his deep concern about the incident, stressing that nuclear power plant sites or nearby areas "must never be attacked." He warned that the auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment.
Grossi once again stressed the paramount importance of ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict, calling for maximum military restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident.
Iran's nuclear facilities have been struck several times since the joint Israeli-U.S. military actions against the Islamic Republic started on Feb. 28.
Nuclear power plants must never be attacked: IAEA chief
