Sales of China's National Games merchandise top 680 million yuan

Licensed merchandise for China's 15th National Games has generated more than 680 million yuan (about 96 million U.S. dollars) in sales, as events continue across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

With demand surging for products featuring the Games' dolphin-themed mascots, "Xiyangyang" and "Lerongrong", inspired by the Chinese white dolphin, have emerged as top sellers and helped drive a boom in cultural and creative products.

Retail outlets for the National Games and the National Paralympic Games have reported heavy foot traffic in recent days, with several popular items selling out.

In Guangzhou, staff at a local manufacturer were preparing batches of the "Joy Pack" on Sunday, a backpack printed with the mascots and designed as a commemorative item for the opening ceremony.

The product, now part of the official licensed merchandise lineup, has quickly gained traction for its design and practicality.

"Our 'Joy Pack' went live on our official online store on Nov 14, and sales topped 10,000 in just 30 minutes. With respect to such high demand -- a concern of consumers -- we're taking urgent actions. The Greater Bay Area has a well-established industrial supply chain, and we're working overtime on packing and shipping," said Liu Lu, deputy general manager of a licensed merchandise operator for the Games.

Organizers have released more than 2,800 licensed products across 20 categories. Guangdong has opened over 500 offline retail stores and more than 70 online shops, helping drive strong merchandise sales.

"I bought this earphone case, a blind box, and a volunteer-style backpack. The dolphin is so cute, and the products that blend traditional culture look great and are really worth it. As a Guangdong native, I feel proud -- the National Games only come once every four years, and this year they're being held right here in the Greater Bay Area. I wanted to experience the atmosphere," said Yuan Jiahui, a consumer.

The National Games, held every four years, is China's largest national multi-sport event. It opened on Nov 9 in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province, and runs through Nov 21 this year.

Sales of China's National Games merchandise top 680 million yuan

Refraining from the use or threat of force in international relations is in the fundamental interests of all parties, including Israel, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when holding a phone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar at the latter's request.

After listening to Sa'ar's briefing on Israel's position regarding the current situation, Wang said that China has consistently advocated resolving international and regional hotspot issues through dialogue and consultation, and that all parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

For many years, China has been committed to promoting a political settlement of the Iran nuclear issue, Wang said, adding that recent talks between Iran and the United States had been making clear progress and also addressed Israel's security concerns.

Regrettably, this process has now been disrupted by military strikes, Wang said.

China opposes the military strikes launched by Israel and the United States against Iran. The use of force cannot truly resolve the issue. Instead, it will create new problems and grave repercussions, Wang said.

The true value of military strength lies not on the battlefield but in preventing war, said Wang, noting that China calls for an immediate cessation of military operations to prevent the conflict from further escalating and spiraling out of control.

He said that China has consistently upheld a just position on Middle East issues and will continue to play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation.

Wang also urged the Israeli side to take concrete measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions.

Sa'ar said that Israel attaches great importance to this matter and will safeguard the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions.

No use or threat of force serves all parties, including Israel: Chinese FM