A groundbreaking infrastructure project developed by Chinese state-owned engineering and construction company PowerChina is expected to ensure the power supply to Brazil's Amazon region, highlighting economic ties between China and Brazil in the energy sector.
Power supplies in the region can often be disrupted by unpredictable weather, a challenging environment, and long transmission distances.
The EDP power transmission and transformation project, undertaken by Chinese company SEPCO1, a subsidiary of PowerChina, aims to overcome these difficulties.
"This transmission line will bring comfort and dignity. It will give people the opportunity to own a freezer, access the internet, and meet other needs that depend on electricity. It will benefit everyone here," said Ildivany De Brito Basto, a resident.
In addition to ensuring energy supplies, the project will also help advance local economic growth.
"The transmission line passing through our city is really important. It's brought a lot of benefits, like creating jobs and boosting the local economy, especially in areas like hotels, food services and construction," said Rodrigo Coelho De Sousa, another resident.
Since the Amazon region is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, the infrastructure project is prioritizing environmental protection, according to the management team behind the development.
"The Amazon region is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. It's home to many rare and endangered species, so protecting the environment here is absolutely crucial. During the planning and construction, we made sure to respect indigenous land rights and strictly follow local laws. Our team focused on things like managing the routes of transmission lines, controlling deforestation, cleaning up oil spills, and preventing soil erosion. This is all to protect the environment and support sustainable development," said Qi Bo, program manager of Brazil EDP Power Transmission and Transformation Project.
The construction of the project started in July 2021, and it is expected to be electrified soon as it's coming to the final adjustment phase.
China-developed power project secures reliable energy in the Amazon
The 2025 Spring Festival Gala hosted and aired by the China Media Group (CMG) has delivered over four hours of captivating cultural performances to audiences tuning in from all around the world as people celebrate one of the most important Chinese holidays.
The gala opened at 20:00 Tuesday Beijing time on the eve of the Chinese New Year of the Snake, with performances being staged at the main venue in Beijing and at four sub-venues across the country, namely Wuxi, Wuhan, Chongqing and Lhasa.
Themed "Year of the Snake, Keep Your Spirit Awake", the annual television extravaganza featured a dazzling array of singing and dancing, opera, comedy sketches, martial arts and other performances.
As the first gala held since the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Spring Festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December last year, this year's show featured more elements of intangible cultural heritage such as Lazi Duixie, a traditional tap dance from Lazi County in Xizang Autonomous Region, and the ritual act of Yingge Dance which is popular in the Chaoshan area of the southern Guangdong Province.
Highlighting a blend of traditional and modern elements, with performances ranging from humanoid robots performing folk dances, to operas with regional traditions, to comedy sketches and magic tricks, the gala once again demonstrated the rich and diverse culture of China as it brought together artists from the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and performers of various ethnic groups.
A delightful collision of cultures was also displayed at the event, with Chinese and Peruvian artists sharing the stage to deliver a performance blending a traditional Chinese folk song with a popular Peruvian orchestral musical piece.
The gala also featured a performance by American pop rock band OneRepublic, who gave a rendition of their popular single 'Counting Stars' from the stage of the sub-venue in Wuhan.
The marathon variety show reached its climax with the countdown to New Year and the ringing of the midnight bell signaling the arrival of the Year of the Snake.
Also known as "Chunwan", the gala was first broadcast in 1983 and is seen as a major cultural symbol for Spring Festival celebrations in China.
Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's most-watched annual TV program, the hours-long television extravaganza attracts over a billion views every year.
CMG stages annual Spring Festival Gala as China celebrates Year of Snake
CMG stages annual Spring Festival Gala as China celebrates Year of Snake
