Chengdu activates full World Games arrival, departure services

As preparations intensify for the upcoming 12th World Games, Chengdu, the host city in southwest China's Sichuan Province, fully activated the Games-related arrival and departure services on Sunday, to ensure smooth customs clearance and transit for athletes and delegations arriving from around the world.

The relevant infrastructure and personnel have been in place to handle an expected influx of more than 5,000 Games-related personnel during the event period. The activation coincided with the first major arrival peak, as over 300 athletes and accompanying staff from more than 20 countries and regions landed in Chengdu on Sunday alone.

Starting from Sunday midnight, the Chengdu World Games Official Accreditation Center officially began full operations, providing comprehensive support from customs clearance to arrival guidance and transportation coordination. Arrival and departure service points have been established at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, and Chengdu East Railway Station.

To facilitate the smooth entry of athletes and their equipment, the Chengdu Customs has set up a special mechanism for coordination with customs offices in eight other cities including Beijing and Shanghai. This mechanism offers dedicated lanes and customized services for large sports gears such as kayaks and bicycles.

"We have specifically optimized the smart inspection channels to ensure fast and efficient customs clearance for travelers. Meanwhile, an exclusive World Games service window has been set up to provide one-stop services, including customs clearance, supervision, and consultation for Games-related personnel. Some athletes are bringing large sets of equipment such as kayaks and bicycles, and we have designated specialized personnel and exclusive processing areas to ensure these items can clear customs quickly," said Xue Ke, deputy director of the Shuangliu Airport Customs, Chengdu Customs.

As large numbers of athletes arrive, the Tianfu and Shuangliu international airports, and Chengdu East Railway Station have fully activated arrival and departure services. Registered Games participants can access streamlined services through dedicated arrival and departure centers, including express check-in, fast-track customs clearance, and convenient entry procedures such as exemption from filling out arrival cards.

The World Games arrival and departure services will run through August 18, coordinated by organizers at key transit hubs to ensure all delegations can move easily between venues, accommodations, and tourist sites, including one of Chengdu's most beloved destinations, the giant panda base.

Scheduled from August 7 to 17, the 12th World Games will feature 255 events across 60 disciplines and 34 sports.

Chengdu activates full World Games arrival, departure services

A Japanese scholar on Friday called on people to remain vigilant against de facto constitutional amendments, as the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi moves to advance constitutional amendments and ease military and security restrictions.

Japan's Constitution, which took effect in 1947, is often referred to as the pacifist constitution because its Article 9 renounces war as a sovereign right and prohibits Japan from possessing "war potential."

However, according to local media reports, Takaichi is pursuing constitutional revision, seeking what would be the first-ever amendment to Japan's Constitution since it came into force.

Talking to China Media Group about the current political situation in Japan, Kenji Utsunomiya, former president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, warned that the "exclusively defense-oriented policy" under Article 9 is being undermined.

"Some have indeed voiced the opinion that Japan should go nuclear -- something not allowed under Article 9 of the Constitution. Yet those making such statements don't seem to face proper penalties. So, I believe the 'exclusively defense-oriented policy' under Article 9 is being gradually and substantively eroded and undermined. That's Japan's reality today," said Utsunomiya.

The scholar pointed out that recent moves by the Takaichi administration are all de facto constitutional amendments that could endanger peace.

"Regarding the government's lifting of a lethal weapons export ban, increasing the share of defense spending in GDP, and pushing for the establishment of a national intelligence committee, I believe it is necessary to conduct broader national discussions on these matters and to effectively organize opposition campaigns. However, even if we manage to block a formal constitutional amendment, it does not mean we are safe. Actually, a de facto constitutional amendment is already moving ahead. Therefore, we must remain even more vigilant about this," said Utsunomiya.

The Japanese government officially revised its guidelines to allow the export of lethal weapons on April 21.

Also in April, Japan's parliament approved the fiscal 2026 budget, with defense expenditures exceeding nine trillion yen (about 56.3 billion U.S. dollars) for the first time, a historic high.

Japan's House of Representatives on April 23 passed a bill to establish a national intelligence committee. The legislation is expected to be enacted after passing the House of Councillors, where approval is highly likely. Following its enactment, the Takaichi administration aims to launch the committee by summer, according to local media.

Japanese scholar warns of de facto constitutional amendments