China's extensive goods trade-in program stimulated consumer spending in the first half of this year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
In a bid to stimulate consumer spending, China rolled out an extensive trade-in policy covering multiple sectors ranging from automobiles, home appliances to real estate.
Figures showed that the sales of home appliances grew by 30.7 percent from January to June as compared with the same period of last year.
The sales of communication equipment, office supplies and furniture all grew by more than 20 percent. And the retail sales of new energy passenger cars increased by 33.3 percent in the first six months of the year.
The sales of service consumption also grew notably in the six months. The movie box office exceeded 29.2 billion yuan (about 4.07 billion U.S. dollars) nationwide in the first half of the year, an increase of more than 20 percent. The concert box office increased by about 40 percent.
The sales at tax refund stores also grew as more international tourists traveled to China and enjoyed the expanded departure tax refund policy.
China saw more than 38 million foreign entries in the first half of this year, a year-on-year increase of 30.2 percent. Among them, 13.64 million trips were made visa-free, an increase of 53.9 percent, according to the National Immigration Administration.
Extensive trade-ins boost consumption in China
Extensive trade-ins boost consumption in China
Extensive trade-ins boost consumption in China
Leaders of seven European countries on Tuesday reaffirmed that Greenland "belongs to its people," stressing that issues concerning Denmark and Greenland must be decided solely by Denmark and Greenland, according to a joint statement.
The statement, released by Denmark's Prime Minister's Office, was signed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," the statement said.
The leaders underscored that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and is critical for international and transatlantic security. They noted that NATO has made clear the Arctic region is a priority and that European allies are increasing their presence there.
The statement noted that the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO, and said security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies, including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.
Calling the United States an "essential partner," the leaders also referred to the 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the United States.
The Prime Minister of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that Greenland is open to dialogue and discussions with the U.S., but "they must take place through the proper channels and in respect of international law."
The PM also urged respect from the U.S. side, saying "Our country is not an object in great power rhetoric." Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who was appointed by President Donald Trump last month as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, said that Trump "supports an independent Greenland with economic ties and trade opportunities for the United States," Reuters reported.
Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. He also discussed the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
