The mascots of China's 15th National Games, modeled after the rare Chinese white dolphin, also known as the "panda of the sea," are gaining popularity in Hong Kong for their adorable designs and animated public appearances.
The mascots, named Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, quickly became internet sensations following their debut at the opening ceremony of the Games on Nov 9. Their performances, featuring bouncing, handstands, and even playful gestures like blowing kisses, have delighted spectators both in stadiums and online. Due to their beak-like mouths, which resemble those of chicks, netizens have affectionately nicknamed the mascots "Greater Bay chickens."
At a Games souvenir shop in Hong Kong, displays of the mascots have attracted steady crowds of visitors eager to snap photos and take home souvenirs.
"They're so cute! I took a photo with them. The National Games are being held here, and we are very happy," said Hong Kong resident.
With their fluffy round heads and chubby bellies, the two mascots have also won the admiration of international tourists.
"And I thought they would be a lovely souvenir. And this is a lovely reminder of when we were here in Hong Kong," said an Australian tourist.
"I really like the kind of merchandising for the Games, the mascots." said an Italian tourist.
Scheduled to conclude on Friday, the Games are jointly hosted by Guangdong Province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, marking the first time in Chinese sports history that three regions have co-hosted a major national event.
National Games mascots win hearts in Hong Kong with dolphin-inspired design
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday night that the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States to end the war could take place within the next few days.
In an interview with state-run IRIB TV, Araghchi said that upon finalized, the MoU will be signed digitally by both sides in their respective countries and then announced. He added that following the potential signing, both parties will commit not to initiate any other war, and will begin the second stage of negotiations, scheduled within a 60-day period, to reach a final agreement, focusing mainly on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions removal.
He stressed that Tehran insists that the only acceptable way of dealing with its highly enriched uranium will be diluting it within Iranian territory.
Araghchi also said that the potential MoU would include provisions for ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, requiring Israel to withdraw from the occupied areas.
Other key issues in the MoU include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the full lifting of the U.S. anti-Iran naval blockade, and the release of Iran's frozen assets, he noted.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said its management will definitely not to return the pre-war era. While Iran will retain sovereignty and a military presence, a legal system consistent with international law will be established, he said.
He ruled out tolls for passage but noted that charging service fees will be reasonable.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States had "just made a great settlement of the war with Iran," with an agreement expected "over the next few days."
Over recent weeks, Iran and the United States have exchanged several peace proposals through Pakistan's mediation, and have been working to finalize an MoU to end the war.
Iran's FM says signing of MoU with US possible within few days
