Villagers in Gyantse County of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region have increased their income by weaving Tibetan carpets in a more modern and customized way, drawing in a larger customer base.
Tibetan carpet is a traditional handicraft on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau with a history of more than 2,000 years. The handmade products feature fine yak and sheep wool and delicate weaving skills and patterns.
Tenzin Trinley, founder of a Tibetan carpet cooperative in Gyantse, was confident that the traditional skill of carpet weaving can help local villagers escape poverty.
After years of exploration, the cooperative has successfully combined traditional and modern techniques in carpet weaving, creating 3D-effect products that integrate the elements of ancient architectures, traditional paintings and calligraphy, as well as ethnic ornamentations.
"To achieve this 3D effect on Tibetan carpets, we have managed to achieve breakthroughs in two areas. First, we innovated the weaving process to enhance the light and shadow interplay. Then, we combined this with a breakthrough in dyeing, allowing us to transition smoothly from one single color to seven different shades," said Tenzin while showcasing a carpet product.
Tenzin and his cooperative have also mastered a unique skill to customize carpets based on the photos provided by the customers.
By employing local villagers from impoverished backgrounds, Tenzin's cooperative enables them to work near their homes. The cooperative is trying to build itself into a production base, said Tenzin.
"We have launched a 'three-year revival plan for Gyantse Tibetan carpets', allowing the villagers to boost their income without leaving their homes. The initiative has also greatly increased production," he said.
The Tibetan carpet industry in Gyantse is currently experiencing rapid growth, with two local companies and 22 cooperatives generating an annual revenue of over 12.76 million yuan (about 1.78 million U.S. dollars).
Farmers and herders from nearby villages have also seen their incomes increased through their involvement in the production and processing of Tibetan carpets.
Tibetans boost income through innovative carpet weaving
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
