Multiple regions in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are grappling with extreme weather, as scorching heatwaves push surface temperatures to extreme levels in Turpan, while sustained high temperatures trigger snowmelt floods in the Kunlun Mountains, damaging local infrastructure.
In Turpan, the famous Flaming Mountains have been baked by days of intense heat, with surface temperatures reaching 84 degrees Celsius.
"The 84 degrees Celsius we measured recently is the highest surface temperature recorded since the beginning of summer this year. The highest surface temperature ever recorded at the scenic area is 89 degrees Celsius," said Lan Yunxia, marketing manager of the Flaming Mountains Scenic Area.
Meteorological authorities attribute the extreme heat to Turpan's closed basin topography, bare rock surfaces, and long sunshine hours, which together trap heat like a covered pot.
Meanwhile, sustained high temperatures have caused snowmelt in the Kunlun Mountains, triggering localized snowmelt floods in Qiemo County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin.
In Aoyiyayilake Town at the foot of the mountains, floodwaters have washed away or damaged sections of roads across the Gobi Desert, disrupting traffic. Local authorities have mobilized heavy machinery to clear mud and standing water, repair and reinforce roadbeds, and dredge blocked drainage ditches to ensure safety.
Due to its low-lying terrain, the area is highly susceptible to floods caused by melting ice and snow from the Kunlun Mountains. Ahead of the annual flood season, local authorities conduct door-to-door visits to educate farmers and herders on flood safety and how to avoid mountain flash floods.
"They taught us a lot about safety, like carrying ropes and food in the car to prevent being stranded in the wilderness. They also told us to promptly help anyone we encounter in trouble outdoors," said a local herder in the town.
Extreme heat, snowmelt floods hit Xinjiang
Japanese citizens gathered in front of the National Diet Building in Tokyo on Wednesday to protest against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's push for increased defense spending and constitutional revision.
Local media reports revealed that Japan's defense-related budget for fiscal year 2027 could reach approximately 10 trillion yen (about 63 billion U.S dollars). This has triggered growing public concern over the government's military expansion policies.
Demonstrators voiced strong opposition to what they see as a dangerous trajectory toward militarization, calling for greater investment in domestic welfare and disaster relief.
"I hate all policies that may lead to war. If money is spent on these things, it feels like we are racing straight toward war. I hope to stop all this. Japan is already prone to various calamities like heavy rains, earthquakes. Instead of spending the money on these disasters, it is spent on military buildup and military-related fields. I truly hope this should no longer be the case," said a rally participant.
"This is really outrageous. This budget should have been used for social security. Not just social security — the money should also be used for people who are genuinely living in difficulties. It indeed is outrageous," said another protester.
Beyond defense spending, participants also voiced opposition to the Takaichi administration's active efforts to revise the Constitution, particularly Article 9, which renounces war.
"In the final analysis, we simply oppose war and want to sustain Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution. Japan was once an aggressor. It is precisely on the basis of reflecting upon this history that Article 9 of the present Constitution was formulated. That person — Sanae Takaichi — has in the past used all kinds of word games to deny the history of Japan's war of aggression. She has made such statements. So my impression is that someone who should never have become the prime minister has assumed the office. Therefore, my thinking is that she could step down as soon as possible," said a third protester.
"She is full of lies. She is a prime minister who is unwilling to talk with us. She deceives us citizens. My original thinking was that there should be no war. I have two grandsons, and I absolutely do not want them to go to the battlefield. That is why I have come to this protest," said another protester.
Japanese against Takaichi's military expansion
