European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde has underscored the pivotal role of Chinese leadership in maintaining global stability, describing Chinese President Xi Jinping as one of the world's key figures responsible for peace and progress.
Lagarde made the remarks in an interview with China Media Group (CMG) on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand, which ran from October 12 to 18.
Lagarde stressed the weight of governance carried by the head of the world's second-largest economy.
"He has such responsibilities and such a large country to lead. And so he's one of the key leaders of the world and one on whose shoulders peace, progress and cooperation rely," said Lagarde.
ECB chief hails Xi as key to global stability
Traditional Dong ethnic attire is drawing travelers to Zhaoxing Dong Village in southwest China's Guizhou Province, where a travel photography boom is creating jobs and promoting local culture.
As one of China's largest villages primarily inhabited by Dong ethnic residents, Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County was once economically underdeveloped due to poor transportation and a lack of industrial diversity. In recent years, the village has leveraged its unique ethnic culture and ecological resources to develop cultural tourism.
At 08:00, a shop renting ethnic clothing in the village is already open. Tourists can rent traditional Dong outfits, with silver necklaces and headpieces included, for the day and pose for photos with traditional village buildings as a backdrop. Once reserved mainly for festivals, the garments now underpin a steady rental business, fueled by the growing popularity of travel photography.
"We have a peak season in July and August. During that time, the shop can serve over 100 customers a day. I usually serve at least 15 to 20 customers myself. In the off-season, we get about five or six customers on Saturdays and Sundays. In the peak season, my monthly income is over 10,000 yuan (about 1,500 U.S. dollars)," said Li Cancan, a makeup and styling artist at a local photo studio.
Some travelers hire local photographers. While some prefer daytime shoots, nighttime sessions keep photographers busy late into the night.
"It's quite common to start shooting at 07:00 or 08:00 and work until 01:00 or 02:00 the next morning. July and August tend to be busier, and the same goes for holidays like Labor Day and National Day," said Huang Liang, a photographer at a local studio.
From costume rentals and makeup services to outdoor shoots and photo editing, Zhaoxing Dong Village has developed a complete travel photography industry chain that offers visitors a full experience.
"I think the yellow really suits my skin tone. I was very happy today. I took a lot of photos and they came out really well," said Jiang Yuxin, a visitor from south China's Guangdong Province.
The village now has 76 photo studios, creating jobs for more than 200 villagers near their homes.
Travel photography booms in Guizhou's Dong ethnic village
