Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged unrelenting efforts in flood control, emergency response, and disaster relief, so as to safeguard the people's lives and property and maintain social stability.
Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in Jiujiang City of east China's Jiangxi Province from Monday to Tuesday.
At a hydrological station in Hukou County, Li learned about the measures undertaken in preparation for potential floods in the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake.
He emphasized the need to fully leverage information technology tools to enhance disaster prediction and early-warning, which are the first line of defense in disaster prevention and risk mitigation.
Li also visited an embankment and talked with the on-duty flood control staff.
In Bailu Town of Lushan City, Li went to a landslide site to learn about the resettlement efforts for the affected residents.
Li also chaired a meeting in Bailu Town.
Noting that this year has witnessed a high occurrence of extreme and abnormal weather conditions, Li urged all localities and departments to be highly vigilant about the situation.
It is crucial to enhance disaster forecasting capabilities, take strict precautions against secondary disasters, and make full use of water conservancy projects, said Li.
He also urged all-out efforts in rescue and disaster relief operations, stressing the importance of swift response to minimize casualties and mitigate damage.
Chinese premier urges unrelenting efforts in flood control, disaster relief
A new direct flight route connecting Belgian capital Brussels and China's financial hub of Shanghai was inaugurated on Wednesday, providing more travel options and convenience for international passengers heading to China.
The inaugural flight of this new direct route departed from the Brussels International Airport at noon local time. Among the travelers was Hyde, who expressed her delight noting that her family had previously lived in China for many years.
The recently implemented visa-free policy, effective this year, has made travel plans easier, prompting them to visit China as soon as the summer vacation began.
"Now we don't need to apply for a visa, it's very convenient to travel. So we say 'let's go (to China) to see some friends," Hyde said in Chinese.
China adopted a visa-free policy for Belgian ordinary passport holders from March 14 this year until December 31 in 2025. This policy allows the relevant individuals to enter China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit without a visa for up to 15 days.
"We've never been to China, it's a perfect opportunity for us to visit your country [China]. So we're just going to let the cities surprise us," said Elissa, another traveler.
The implementation of China's visa-free policy for Belgium, coupled with the increase in direct flights between Belgium and China, is projected to bolster cooperation and development in various sectors, including the economy, tourism and culture between Europe and China, an airport operation executive said.
"We feel directly it's because of the visa-free entry [policy] that the entry is growing. Yes, we will definitely, not only (passengers) in Belgium but also in European, and even North American and African and visitors are going to China," said Bart Saverwyns, Chief Passenger Aviation Officer of Brussels Airport.
New Brussels-Shanghai direct flight launched amid visa-free policy boost
