China has seen a robust consumption growth in the first four days of the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday that started on Oct 1, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Sales at major retail and catering outlets rose 3.3 percent year on year in the four days, and the foot traffic and the revenue at 78 major pedestrian streets across China increased by 4.2 percent and 4.0 percent respectively over the same period last year, the ministry data showed.
Green and smart consumption gained popularity among Chinese consumers.
Data from leading e-commerce platforms showed that sales of organic food surged 20.1 percent year on year, while energy-efficient home appliances jumped 19 percent, smart refrigerators climbed 20.7 percent, and smart home products grew 16.8 percent, the ministry said.
Service consumption remained vibrant, with autumn sightseeing, self-driving tours, and travels to revolutionary sites drawing a number of holidaymakers.
The National Day holiday box office exceeded one billion yuan (about 140 million U.S. dollars), and sports events like the China Open tennis tournament sparked a wave of enthusiasm among spectators.
Food and vegetable also have been sufficient in supply and stable in price during the holiday.
Data showed that stocks of grain, oil, meat, eggs, and vegetables at 200 major agricultural wholesale markets across the country remained ample, and prices of grain, cooking oil, pork, mutton, and chicken stayed largely stable compared with the September 30 levels, the ministry said.
Vegetable and beef prices edged up 0.4 percent and 0.3 percent respectively from pre-holiday levels, while egg prices dipped 0.4 percent, according to the ministry.
China sees robust consumption in first four days of National Day holiday
China sees robust consumption in first four days of National Day holiday
China sees robust consumption in first four days of National Day holiday
Political figures across Japan have strongly denounced Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks after she hinted at the possibility of military involvement in the Taiwan Strait.
Critics expressed concerns over the legal basis, policy logic, and potential regional security risks stemming from her statements, which they said will exacerbate tensions in Japan-China relations.
Komeito chief Tetsuo Saito said that although Takaichi acknowledged in the Diet that her remarks do not necessarily reflect the government's unified view, they nonetheless undermine the foundation of national policy.
He emphasized that any statement by the prime minister's in the Diet should not violate national policies, adding that the remarks carry serious influence and must be corrected.
Three former prime ministers Shigeru Ishiba, Yoshihiko Noda and Yukio Hatoyama have also criticized Takaichi's comments.
Japanese Communist Party (JCP) Policy Commission Chair Taku Yamazoe said on Friday that to prevent the deterioration of Japan-China relations, Takaichi should retract her erroneous statements.
Mizuho Fukushima, head of the Social Democratic Party, said that Takaichi's remarks were entirely irrational, stressing that Japanese society must work to prevent war and halt this dangerous policy.
Yoichi Iha, former mayor of Ginowan City in Okinawa Prefecture and current senator, warned that Takaichi's statements could lead to significant casualties for Japan's Self-Defense Force. He said that Japan's recent military buildup has been increasingly aligned with U.S. strategic frameworks, and that it is vital for Japan to break free from this trajectory.
Ukeru Magosaki, a former Japanese foreign ministry official said that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, and Japan must honor its political commitments regarding Taiwan.
"In 1972, China and Japan jointly issued a statement that clearly stated Japan recognized and respected the position that 'Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China.' Regrettably, Takaichi is now ignoring this commitment made by Japan to China, and this is the biggest problem," he said.
Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan draw wide criticism from Japanese political figures
